The council chamber was unusually quiet that morning.
A long obsidian table stretched across the circular hall, carved with the crests of the tribes. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, striking the silver goblets placed before each elder.
One by one, the members of the Council of Elders took their seats.
At the head of the table sat Elder Sundev, the King's uncle, his fingers slowly tapping against the polished wood. His sharp eyes scanned the scroll laid before him.
"So," Elder Makoko finally spoke, clearing his throat. "The Beast Babies round has concluded. We must now discuss the performances."
A murmur rippled through the chamber.
"The Burrow tribe candidate showed remarkable control," one elder said. "Handling two cubs without provoking them."
Another elder scoffed lightly. "Control? Perhaps. But fear was written all over her face."
Soft chuckles followed.
Elder Sundev did not laugh.
