Seren Virel arrived without escort.
---
Again.
---
But this time—
the air was different.
---
Not testing.
---
Deciding.
---
"You forced escalation," she said.
---
"Yes."
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"You're ready for it?"
---
Kael met her gaze.
---
"Yes."
---
A pause.
---
Long.
Measured.
---
Then—
Seren said:
---
"Then we align."
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Silence.
---
Real.
---
Because that changed everything.
---
Not alliance.
---
Not submission.
---
Something else.
---
Parallel dominance.
---
Elara smiled.
Liora didn't.
---
Kael nodded once.
---
"Good."
---
Because now—
the war had sides.