Cleopatra's knees buckled. Her legs gave out, but the warriors held her upright, grips firm and unyielding. Smiles tugged at the corners of their mouths. They trusted their leaders. They trusted Kael. Whatever was happening, whatever judgment was being handed down, they knew it was earned.
"Kael, please don't do this," Cleopatra cried, her voice cracking, desperation bleeding through every word. She twisted and thrashed in the warriors' arms, fighting to free herself. Kael signaled them to let go. The moment they released her, she rushed to his side, movements frantic and clumsy.
She dropped to her knees in front of him, hands reaching for his feet, ready to beg, ready to grovel, ready to do whatever it took to make him stop. But Kael stepped back fast, like her touch would burn him.
