After Cassel's sharp and aggressive words, Mary stopped talking altogether.
Her lips clamped shut as if someone had stitched them with invisible thread, her shoulders shrinking inward, her gaze fixed anywhere but on Cassel.
Even Cecil—who was usually the most talkative among the leaders—fell nearly silent, the arrogance that always colored his tone seeming to dissolve into the air around him. The lively conversation they had been so invested in moments ago lifted from the room like heat dissipating into cold air.
Only the voices of the other leaders continued, though noticeably subdued, as if they were trying not to provoke the beast sitting among them.
One could easily say that even the two male leaders were bothered by Cassel's earlier boasting—boasting that was neither empty nor exaggerated—and his completely unfiltered threat of killing them.
They exchanged glances now and then, uncomfortable, stiff, but still managed to speak when required.
