Page 57 of Salt Between the Wolves

Soren didn't look up.

"Then why are we still talking about this?"

"Because they're not wrong about everything."

That answer immediately drew his attention, and Soren lifted his gaze to meet Kael's steady expression.

Neither spoke for a moment before Kael continued.

"They don't trust her."

Soren's jaw tightened.

"They don't have to."

"No. But they do have to live beside her."

The words lingered between them, carrying a practical reality that was frustratingly difficult to argue against.

Kael folded his arms.

"Every attack, every rumor, and every problem that starts beyond these walls eventually circles back to her."

"That's not her fault."

"I know," Kael replied evenly. "But fault isn't the issue."

Silence settled over the room once more while the wind brushed softly against the fortress walls outside.

Soren leaned back in his chair.

"What are you suggesting?"

"I'm saying this stops being a council problem the moment someone decides to act on it."

The statement landed harder than anything that had been said during the meeting because it wasn't speculation but a simple acknowledgment of reality.

Fear made people reckless, and grief often made them even worse.

Soren turned his gaze toward the windows and the mountains rising beyond them.

Kael watched him for a moment before speaking again.

"If this were anyone else, you would've made a decision already."

The words struck with surprising force precisely because they carried neither accusation nor judgment, making them far more difficult to dismiss.

Kael was right.

If this had been a political liability, a hostage, a trader, or an ally under Ironfang's protection, the answer would have been obvious. The risk would have been assessed, the vulnerable target removed, and the clan protected.

Instead, weeks had passed without any meaningful change.

Kael exhaled slowly.

"You're waiting for the situation to improve."

Soren offered no response.