The forge stayed quiet after Dory's refusal, the weight of the conversation settling over everyone. Sirene stood still, watching him closely, while Elian remained by her side, his expression calm but tense. Horg leaned against the anvil, arms crossed, saying nothing for once. Maya shifted slightly near the doorway, her eyes moving between Dory and the two visitors. No one rushed to speak, but the silence didn't last long.
Maya was the first to break it.
"You're thinking too far ahead," she said, her tone steady. "You're acting like this is some grand plan that will swallow the whole world. It's not. It's just another deal… just bigger."
Dory glanced at her. "Bigger is exactly the problem."
"And doing nothing is better?" Maya shot back. "You think sitting here and making snacks while a war starts around you makes sense?"
Dory frowned slightly but didn't reply immediately.
