Strax stopped, staring at the three women who now looked at him as if he had adopted a radioactive basilisk cub. The tension hung thick, like smoke about to ignite. He took a deep breath, ignoring the mental buzz of the blade at his waist.
"Okay. One thing at a time." He exhaled. 'Before anyone else accuses me of adultery, I want a clear answer.'
He placed his hand on the hilt of the sword, which still vibrated with a pulsing energy, almost... restless.
"You. Sword. What is your name?"
The silence that followed lasted just long enough to seem ceremonial.
Then her voice came—softer, deeper, as if gathering all her multiple facets and finally assuming an identity.
"Zanith." The syllables floated in the air like an ancient spell, laden with weight and promise. She paused, then added with a playful whisper, "But you can call me Zani, if you like. Only those close to me."
