Sitting next to Nyrielle, Ashlynn took a deep breath and tried to still her beating heart, or at least quiet it enough for her to take comfort in the calm, steady echo of Nyrielle's heartbeat within her chest.
They had discussed what was to come and worked hard to build toward this moment, but until they arrived at the conclusion, every step felt like it was taken on thin ice over a vast chasm. Hauke's momentary escape from his curse had given her great hope, both for her friend and for the future of the High Pass, but now, as the final moment was upon them, she couldn't help but tremble with anxiety that something would go wrong at the end.
"Last night, Lord Ritchel fell in single combat against the Thistle Witch," Nyrielle said, shocking everyone in the hall with what seemed to be a decision to grant the throne of the High Pass to Talauia by right of conquest.
