Surrender or Survival

You fool, you ruined everything! Before she had even entered the cabin, Rezan's voice rang in Talanji's ear.

"Great Rezan, I did nothing wrong. Those ignorant humans insulted us Trolls and the Loa," Talanji said angrily.

No, you were the one at fault. You cannot see their true strength. Even I feel fear before this city. Your pride and ignorance will ultimately lead to Zandalar's downfall. My life has already begun its countdown. So has your nation. Then Rezan's voice fell silent.

"No, Rezan, do not abandon us. What exactly is happening?" Only then did Talanji begin to panic.

After a long while without hearing Rezan's voice, Talanji finally felt utterly helpless and wailed, "Rezan, my god, tell me what to do, quickly. Please! I will follow your will."

In the heavy silence of the cabin, the sacrificial brazier suddenly lit without a sound. Rezan's phantom slowly moved within it, his voice distant and ethereal. My priestess, are you truly willing to give everything for me? To cast aside your pride, dignity, and honor? To beg this city's masters for forgiveness like a slave, and accept all their demands and commands?

"I... I..." The thought of returning to the city in such a humiliating manner and begging for forgiveness made Talanji deeply uncomfortable.

I knew it. This is an impossible mission. Trolls would rather die in battle than beg for mercy; Trolls would rather be destroyed than bow their heads. This is destiny. This is the future decreed by the gods. Prepare to embrace destruction. Prepare to welcome the end. My priestess, farewell, forever... farewell!

With that, the phantom of Rezan the devilsaur slowly faded, and the flames in the brazier gradually went out as well.

Without time to consider Rezan's words, Talanji hurriedly threw herself toward the brazier and