The man suddenly shouted, "We don't want your help! Keep your damn dragons away!"
His voice cracked, shrill and defiant, cutting through the auditorium like a blade.
Silence fell, heads turning as the crowd stared, their expressions shifting from shock to confusion.
Whispers rippled.
"What's wrong with him?"
"Doesn't he know who the Dragon Lord is?"
A woman near him muttered, "He's a hero, saved District 7 last week!" Another nodded, "Yeah, took down that gate solo!"
But dissent stirred. A handful of others shouted.
"He's right!"
"Dragons are dangerous!"
"We don't trust him!" Alister's eyes flicked toward them, narrowing as he noticed a faint red aura clinging to each who disagreed with him, pulsing like the mist.
His silver dragon's tail twitched, its purple eyes glinting.
"I see," Alister said in a low tone, sharp, carrying a quiet intensity that silenced the murmurs.
