Adair swallowed the second half of her sentence when she met Jaime’s unwavering gaze.

Gently pushing the shocked Adair aside, Jaime pointed at Zared again. “In the Jademora Empire, we despise those who rely on connections. Here, your strength is everything. My actions today are not to show off but to claim your ignorant and shameless head.”

After making his declaration, Jaime turned and bowed deeply to Wyot, who hovered in the void above them. He then knelt and said, “As the victor of the Wyrt