Zander raised a hand gently, signaling calm. His gaze shifted from the Archon to Candice, assessing her reaction rather than accepting the offer outright.

“This is… sudden,” Zander said carefully.

“It is decisive,” the Archon replied. “Our houses have long discussed this possibility. You and Candice have known each other since childhood even if you two do not remember those times since both of you are still young.”

Osman felt something dark twist in his chest.

Zander glanced ...