The council chamber remained frozen after Alaric's words.
No one moved or breathed properly.
Blood continued dripping steadily from the severed head in Alaric's hand onto the stone floor beneath him. The sound echoed too loudly in the silence.
One of the elders looked moments away from bursting out in anger. Another slowly lowered himself back into his chair with trembling hands.
The military heads remained completely still and even King Elijah had not spoken yet.
Alaric finally released the elder's head.
It hit the floor heavily beside the council table and rolled once before stopping.
No one dared look away from him.
Alaric stepped fully into the chamber afterward, calm despite the blood staining his hands.
His composure frightened them more than the violence itself.
The doors closed completely now.
Finally, Alaric spoke again.
