The noise in the throne room swelled until it felt like the very pillars trembled under the weight of voices. Meanwhile, King Almond couldn't stop staring at each elders as they kept choosing sides.
Mages banged their staffs against the marble floor, Swordmasters muttered curses under their breath, and a few conjurers exchanged sly glances as though waiting for blood to spill.
King Almond raised his hand again—not to silence them fully, but enough for their voices to drop into a heavy murmur. His face remained calm, but his eyes were cold, calculating.
"I have heard enough bickering," he said slowly, his deep voice cutting through the air. "We are not here to protect one man’s pride… nor to shield another from the consequences of his actions." His gaze swept over them all before landin
