The council meets, debating the fate of Alex. Meriel argues passionately for his survival, citing his essential role in transforming their fleet. But others are skeptical, fearful of what such power might mean in untrustworthy hands.

As they continue to deliberate, an unsettling silence falls over the room. Finally, a vote is called, and tension fills the air as each elf casts their deciding stone.

With a resounding thud, the final stone lands in the center of the table, echoing through the chamber like a death knell. Meriel's heart sinks as she realizes that it will not end well for Alex. The decision has been made.

Wordlessly, they gather their belongings and depart, leaving Meriel alone with her conflicted thoughts. She can't help but wonder if she should have tried harder to convince them otherwise...

she hisses before shoving him roughly away from her. Luke lands on the floor with a thud, gasping for air as he struggles to get back up onto his elbows. Meriel watches him coldly for a moment before turning her back on him and walking out of the room without another word.

The soldiers exchange glances but say nothing, uncertain how to proceed after their commander's outburst.

One of the soldiers chuckles at Luke's comment before shooting him a warning glance. "You know... you could have just told her what she wanted to hear," he says with a shrug. "She might have made your life easier."

Luke smirks in response, wincing as it pulls at his split bottom lip. "Maybe next time I'll take that advice," he wheezes out. "But for now... I think I'll just keep enjoying seeing how mad she gets."

Meriel's emerald eyes narrow even further at his words. "Orders?" she repeats incredulously. "You mean the orders of your pathetic leaders who sent you here to attack us? Don't try to make excuses for them! They are just as guilty as you!" She takes another step closer, her voice growing cold and hard once more. "But if that's what it takes for you to understand the gravity of your actions... Then perhaps I can let you live."

The elven commander leans in close, her emerald eyes boring into his. "You will leave this place," she says slowly, enunciating each word carefully. "And you will never return. You will tell your leaders the truth of what happened here... That we were peaceful, and they were the ones who attacked us for no reason other than their own stupidity." Her voice hardens once more as she continues, "And if you ever think of attacking us again, or anyone else like us..."

Meriel returned their salutes with a nod, her expression unreadable as she stopped beside them. "Any news?" she asked curtly, her eyes flickering to the interrogation room before returning to meet their gaze. The two guards exchanged glances before one of them spoke up.

"Nothing new from the front lines, Commander," he reported. "The humans are still holding strong despite our efforts." Meriel nodded solemnly, her expression unchanging as she absorbed the information. "Keep an eye on him,"

Meriel jerked her head toward the interrogation room. "If he tries anything funny, don't hesitate to restrain him." The two guards nodded obediently, their expressions solemn as they stood at attention. With one final glance in the direction of the room where the human lay unconscious, Meriel turned and strode away, her focus returning to her duties as a commander in the elven army.

Her eyes flash with fury as he tries to touch her, to demand what she promised in a moment of weakness. With a growl that comes from deep within her throat, she reaches out and slaps him hard across the face. "You selfish little...!" She takes a step back, her chest heaving with anger and disgust. "Get out," she spits through clenched teeth, pointing towards the door.

Meriel watches him stomp out of the room with narrowed eyes, anger and disgust burning hot inside her. Her hand flinches as if she could still feel his touch on her skin; the memory of his cock in her hand making her shiver despite herself. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm down before she does something even more regrettable.

"You're a monster," she whispers, more to herself than to him. "And I will make sure everyone knows it."

Commander Meriel's eyes narrow to slits as she listens to the human's reply. "You are in no position to make demands, Toto," she snarls, her voice cold and harsh. With surprising speed, she releases his hair completely and steps back away from him, crossing her arms over her chest once more. Her expression hardens further as she watches him carefully. "I want the truth, and I will have it," she growls menacingly.

The commander's eyes flash with anger as she watches the human try to brush off her words so casually. With a swift motion, she reaches out and grabs him by his shirt collar, yanking him closer until their faces are only inches apart once more. "I will get the truth," Meriel hisses through clenched teeth, "and you will tell me everything I want to know." Her free hand balls into a fist at her side, ready to strike if necessary.

"Now,"