Phantom Hollow To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive

Hunst listened, his sharp gaze narrowing as Alara spoke, the weight of her words pressing against his chest. For all her poise and defiance, there was something unshakable in her voice—a truth he had expected but wasn’t prepared to confront so soon. River. Married.

He exhaled sharply, the sound more incredulous than anything, though his lips quirked faintly into a wry smile. River, married, he echoed, the words feeling foreign on his tongue. It’s shocking, I’ll admit, but… not unexpected. The boy always did have a knack for theatrics.

Hunst shook his head, the weight of the news settling. A proper Sea-Snake wife, you say? Well, that will pacify some of them, I suppose. But you’re right—his hold is weak, and a marriage alone won’t mend that. Our people won’t follow him just because he’s followed tradition.

He met her gaze, his own a mix of steely resolve and quiet pride. You, though—matriarch. He said the word like a promise, his voice low and firm. That is something they’ll follow. You’ve always had the spine for it, Alara. The fire. The question is, how far are you willing to go to see it through?

He paused, tilting his head slightly, the flicker of a smirk returning. And what exactly do you need from me? A sword, I assume. There was no judgment in his tone, only the quiet acceptance of a warrior ready to stand where he was needed. Just say the word.