"You think responsibility is enough?" Alina said quietly, almost like she was talking to herself.
Her fingers tightened into fists at her sides.
"I worked my whole life for a place in Soladors. All I wanted was a real future. And now I'm stuck in a House that doesn't even have proof it existed until yesterday. No records. No history. Nothing."
Her voice cracked slightly at the end, and she looked away fast, hoping no one saw the shimmer in her eyes.
"I'm not asking for special treatment," she whispered. "I just… I just wanted a chance."
Ray stepped forward, carefully. "Maybe this is your chance. Not the one you expected, but sometimes the right path looks wrong at first."
"Fine... Sighh." She turned to face max her expression flat. "You really want to know what a House means in Soladors?"
Max gave a small nod. Jack leaned forward slightly. Ray stayed quiet now, arms crossed. He had some ideas, but hearing it through wouldn't hurt.
Alina didn't smile. She didn't soften.
