Eiran’s voice cut through the noise. “And why,” he asked, leaning forward, “should we believe you?” I looked over at the fucking coward. “I have no reason to lie. You have me in chains, and I need to get into that palace.” Aelira exchanged a glance with my father, something unspoken passing between them before my father spoke. “Enough.” The room fell silent once again. He stood, slow and deliberate, his hands pressed flat against the table. “You claim to know the way in,” he said. “Prove it.”
