Jared sheathed the Dragonslayer Sword, his gaze ice-cold as looked toward Braxton. “Keep your promise. Take your people and leave Caxton Continent.”

“I will,” Braxton said, “But you need to release my children. If you don’t, I’ll risk everything, even if it means bringing down the entire Eighth Hall, to destroy Caxton Continent.”

Jared faced calmly. “That’s not how this works. What if you stay behind after I release them and cause more destruction? I’ll release one of them as a sign of good faith. You pick who.”

Braxton glanced at his children, torn.

“Father, save me! Please!” Thorley cried out. “Jhaelyn’s just been taken, but I’ve been locked up for days. I don’t want to die. I can’t take this anymore!”

Seeing Thorley’s desperation, Jhaelyn spoke gently. “Father, take Thorley. I’ll stay. I don’t think they’ll dare hurt me!”

Braxton had no choice but to nod.