Everyone in the meeting room went silent at Elaria's words.
Alex stared at her, genuinely surprised. "Your mother? What the hell happened to her?"
Elaria opened her mouth. "A week ago, she was kidna—"
Before she could finish, Thalion shot up from his chair. "Elaria, that's enough," he shouted. "That is not something to be shared here. And don't worry—I will not let anything happen to her. I promise."
"You've been saying that for days," Elaria snapped, tears gathering in her eyes. "But I can't wait anymore."
Damon leaned back in his seat, eyes narrowing. "So it wasn't just a rumor," he said loudly. "It's true, then."
Thalion's jaw tightened. He could feel every gaze in the room turn toward him, the weight of their scrutiny digging into his pride.
Alex frowned. "Someone want to explain? What the hell is going on?"
Sylphoria looked at him. "For the past three days, there have been rumors that the Elven Queen was kidnapped."
