The silence inside the Council Hall was suffocating.
Every noble present stared at the parchment in the councilor’s hands.
No one wished to hear the names.
Yet everyone waited.
The councilor drew a breath.
“First, we call upon Chris of House Harid.”
A young man rose from his seat.
Almost immediately, an older nobleman shot to his feet.
“Why my son?” he demanded.
The hall fell silent.
“Please, Lord Harid,” the councilor said.
“Sit down.”
“No!” the nobleman barked.
“You call this a mission, but everyone here knows what it truly is.”
His voice trembled.
“A death sentence.”
Whispers erupted throughout the chamber.
The councilor’s expression softened.
“I understand your concerns.”
“Do you?” Lord Harid snapped.
“Then tell me how a father is expected to stand by while his child is sent into danger.”
For a moment, no one answered.
Then Chris stepped forward.
“It’s alright, Father.”
The entire hall turned toward him.
Lord Harid stared at his son.
Chris straightened his shoulders.
“This is an honor. If my service can help the kingdom, then I am willing to do my part.”
A mixture of pride and sorrow crossed his father’s face.
After a long moment, Lord Harid slowly returned to his seat.
The councilor nodded.
“Thank you, Chris.”
He glanced back at the parchment.
“Olivia of House Blackthorne.”
A young woman rose gracefully.
“Alicia of House Elfswood.”
Another noble daughter stood.
“Xavier of House Moriarty.”
A tall young man stepped forward.
One by one, more names followed.
Each announcement was met with a different reaction.
Some families looked proud.
Others looked terrified.
Several openly protested.
The tension inside the hall grew heavier with every passing minute.
Jasmina watched in silence.
The farther the list progressed, the faster her heart seemed to beat.
A strange feeling settled over her.
Yet she could not ignore it either.
Beside her, William noticed her unease.
“You seem troubled.”
Jasmina forced a smile.
“I’m fine.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“You are a terrible liar.”
Despite herself, she laughed softly.
“Maybe.”
William’s expression softened.
“You have nothing to worry about.”
But somehow, his words failed to reassure her.
The councilor continued reading.
More names.
More reactions.
More worried parents.
The hall had become a battlefield of emotions.
Then, as the councilor turned another page of the parchment, Jasmina’s stomach tightened.
For the first time that night, she feared what would come next.
Because the list was not over.
And deep within her heart, she knew her name had not escaped it.
The councilor cleared his throat.
The hall fell silent once more.
Jasmina held her breath.
And waited.