The silence stretched long as Neve's heart raced faster and faster in his chest.
His entire body was trembling. His palms were sweating. His breathing was shallow and quick. He had just made a threat to one of the most powerful beastman in the entire outcast territory. He had just risked his life and the lives of those around him.
Even Popi, who could not believe someone was standing up for her, almost teared up. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Her lips trembled slightly. She had not expected Neve to fight for her like this. She had not expected him to value her life so highly that he would threaten suicide.
Neve did not break eye contact with Zyreth. He kept his golden eyes locked on the snake king's cold, calculating gaze. He refused to show fear. He refused to back down.
Wind from the small crack on the other side of the cave broke the heavy silence. The sound was soft but it seemed to echo through the stone chamber.
