Round 21

Halie steps forward, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. Wait—Her blue-grey eyes lock onto Aethera’s shifting form, searching for any sign of weakness or deception. Jeane, I understand your anger—I do—but threatening Aethera into submission won't solve anything. She glances at Hera’s worsening condition—her friend's skin is flushing crimson where the tendril touches it, and her breathing is shallow. This needs a healer's touch, not a sorceress' fire. Back to Aethera:* You claim you're protecting us from that horror? Then release Hera and prove your words with actions, not control.