Silence stretched between them before Cassian spoke again. "When this battle begins—"
"It won't," Lin Wan interrupted softly yet firmly.
"You sound remarkably certain."
"I am hopeful."
"Hope does not stop marching armies, Lin Wan."
"No," she met his golden gaze directly. "But people can."
Cassian narrowed his eyes slightly. "You still believe Wang will simply turn his forces around and retreat?"
"No," she shook her head gently. "He won't just retreat. But I believe he will listen."
"To whom?"
"To me."
The command hall fell entirely still. Cassian studied her face intently. "You still possess that much confidence in your influence?"
"It isn't about confidence," she replied. "It's about necessity. I have to try."
Cassian took several measured steps toward her. "And if he refuses?"
"Then I will try again."
"And if you are caught between two clashing fronts?" Cassian's voice took on a sharp, dangerous edge. "You intend to step onto the battlefield?"
