Immediately after breakfast, King Elijah ordered an immediate council meeting with some council member. He sat at the head of the long table quietly.
The silver markings carved into the dark wood reflected faintly beneath candlelight while shadows stretched heavily across the chamber walls.
One by one, the council members filtered inside, including some military heads, elders, and trusted advisers.
The doors closed heavily behind the last person.
And notably, Aire was not invited.
Nate sat three seats away from Elijah in complete silence.
Alaric stood near one side of the chamber instead of sitting immediately. His arms were folded tightly across his chest while irritation darkened his entire expression.
Xander entered last. The moment he sat down, his jaw clenched again. Despite hours passing since breakfast, he still could not erase the image of the bruises around Aire's throat.
