Cassius's words had just begun to settle over the knights, their chests swelling with pride and a newfound warmth toward their unexpected master, when he shifted gears with a casual grin.
"And as thanks for all your years of service." He said, his voice carrying that same earnest tone. "I want to give you a little reward."
The air shifted instantly.
Julie's stomach dropped, a frown creasing her brow as she caught the subtle stiffening of Aisha's tail beside her. Skadi's excited scribbling paused, her silver eyes narrowing slightly.
Across the ranks, the knights smiles faltered, replaced by wary glances and faint scowls.
A reward...The word hung like a lead weight, souring the mood as whispers rippled through the group.
They'd heard this song before—nobles loved to toss out "rewards" usually glittering handfuls of gold or gaudy jewelry, as if that could sum up their blood and sweat.
