"That's necessary to save our clan, else—" Kealion was saying, but his words faded as Allen and his companions entered. The room's focus instantly shifted, pale looks landing on Allen—yet Kealion's eyes seemed to reach beyond him.
"Elder Allen…" Amaterasu exclaimed, rushing up to him.
The palace chamber remained cloaked in its usual twilight. Around the obsidian dining table, four elders sat, two seats left empty—one for Allen, the other for Maxen, the deceased Luminary of Water Wisdom.
Natasha and Isabell stood like elegant strangers at the edge of the gathering, but subtle, knowing smiles played on their lips.
"Why did you leave without leaving a message?" Kealion muttered, his tone regal, pushing even more authority into his voice as he sat upright, revealing more of his broad, muscular form.
"Let him breathe, Kealion," Amaterasu protested, hugging Allen like he was her ten-year-old cousin.
