Chapter 50: True heir

As the Arbiter's presence faded into the ethereal mist, Srides's mother stood in the front, her face contorting with an expression that moved beyond mere horror into something darker, more visceral.

"I can't believe that the Arbitar came to help this wolf brat at the goddesses will!" The words escaped through her clenched teeth, each syllable dripping with venom and disbelief. Her eyes darted between Jamie and Shadow, as if trying to piece together an impossible puzzle. "Who exactly is Jamie to the goddess?"

Jamie's response came with the cold precision of a blade. His eyes, fixed steadily on the woman, held no trace of emotion as he spoke. "You can take as much time you need to think as you rot in imprisonment."

"You'll be bitch-slapped!" The woman's composure cracked further, her voice rising with hysteria. Her fingers curled into claws at her sides as she continued, "The players involved are much bigger than you think."