Aurelion turned and walked towards the door, leaving Merric standing alone in the center of the room, staring at the dust on the floor.
Just as Aurelion's hand touched the handle, Merric's voice cut through the silence.
"Wait!"
Aurelion paused, then slowly turned back, a single eyebrow raised in question.
"You made a deal with the Clan Leaders," Merric said, his voice strained but regaining a measure of composure.
"And we challenged you according to that deal. And there will be more to come. You know that, right?"
"Why are you telling me something I already know?" Aurelion asked.
"Clans try to recruit those they see as talented," Merric continued, forcing himself to sound reasonable, pragmatic.
"We were given an order to that effect. That's why Emil challenged you. There is no need to continue some things."
A smile touched Aurelion's lips as he looked at Merric. "Are you really that afraid of my retaliation?"
