As the discussion wound down, the oppressive weight of the meeting finally began to ease.
Grand Elder Huo stood first, giving one last commanding glance at the gathered elders before dismissing them with a wave of his sleeve. He had given out some orders about their future plans, which the elders would be handling for the time being.
Daoist Chu followed close behind, murmuring something about needing to recheck the sect's archives, while Meng Bai offered Lin Mu a firm nod before excusing himself. He had a lot to think about now.
One by one, the room emptied until only the faint glow of lamplight remained, flickering against the carved stone walls. Lin Mu had expected silence to follow, but when he glanced up, he found Cattaleya still standing there, her dark eyes fixed on him with an unreadable expression.
He tilted his head slightly, masking his curiosity. "You didn't leave. That must mean you still have something to say."
