Zukar leans back in his chair as Jade speaks. His expression shifts from determined to defeated.

"Forgive me, Baroness. I was... Under the impression you had spent as much time with the family as I had. Weekly dinners, celebrations, spontaneous get-togethers... But now looking back... I realize I rarely if ever saw you." He sighs heavily. "In that case, let me share what I know of that family."

He nods. "You are right about Selena. Auntie S loves her secrets. And much like the dragons she surrounded herself in, she was protective of them. She thought by keeping everything secret, she was keeping the family safe. However, I have always known the family to be quite... Open and forward."

"It honestly came as quite the surprise when we found out Wolfrum was intending to take over magic. My entire life I knew the man, he was friendly and... Well, goofy. He never seemed power hungry because he never had a need of it. He was powerful in his own rights." Zukar's eyes seem to glaze as he fades into memory. "See, the family that I know is good. They are joyful and friendly. They are welcoming to outsiders for the most part and Auntie S was always welcoming people under her wing. The rest of the family accepted whatever she deemed right."

"And I grew up with Kalil, Connor, and...." His eyes blur briefly as tears fill his eyes. "Zinna..." He clears his throat and blinks away his tears. "The entire family is protective of one another. Especially Kalil. I have always known him to be fiercely protective of Connor and his mother and now his son. He was protective of Zinna once too."

Zukar sighs softly. "My point is this Baroness... The dragons have been allies of Ariad for a very long time. They are good people. However, they are protective of one another. And they will go to extreme lengths to protect the family. That is what is happening here. Vesta crossed the line when she involved the family instead of just keeping her harsh words to Kalil and now they are on the defensive."

"I would caution you to think very carefully about the alliance you are threatening. The dragons are not enemies you wish to have." Zukar shakes his head. "Auntie S was secretive but the rest of them are not. And Jedash himself even said he would be willing to share details of their plans with those in power. I suggest you take a moment to speak with them before pursuing an annulment of the alliance."

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