The atmosphere in Nicolas's office was quiet—but dense. The kind of silence that only existed before serious words were spoken.
Noel sat across from the director, his posture straight, gaze focused. He wasn't tense exactly, but he knew this wasn't a casual conversation.
They both did.
Nicolas tapped his fingers once on the desk, then folded his hands.
"First," he said, voice calm but weighty, "I'll tell you what I found out myself..."
A pause.
"…and what King Alveron's reunion uncovered. Though as I mentioned before—his response was truly disappointing."
Noel didn't speak. He listened closely, eyes sharp. He already had a general idea of how things had played out, but every variable mattered now. Every overlooked piece could be dangerous.
There were people he wanted to protect.
Elyra. Elena.
The two most important names in his life right now.
He couldn't afford another mistake like Erick.
