Second Vow

In the council hall, Elder Sivvers coldly admonishes Eve, urging her to cut ties with Jace. He denounces Jace’s bloodline, warns that Eve’s involvement with him will ruin her focus, and reminds her that the final assessment is near. Though framed as concern, every word drips with prejudice and control. Eve stands before him the entire time, forced to endure the pressure in silence. Yet instead of yielding, she grows steadily calmer and more resolute. By the end, though she has not spoken, her si