Three hours slipped by in slow, heavy silence inside the Death Clan's ancestral hall. The discussions were over with new laws, adjustments to the clan's education structure, preparations for the tournament, and everything that needed addressing before the world's brightest young elites gathered. None of it held Azzy's mind for long.
His thoughts kept drifting back to one person.
Orion… where are you? Why aren't you answering?
When the final elder finished speaking, Azzy stared down at his watch and rose from his throne. "Send word to all nineteen representatives," he ordered. "Have them gather at the Ancestral Temple."
The elders stiffened at his voice.
"And," Azzy continued, "if Orion does not arrive by the deadline, he will be replaced with Liam Phantom."
A few elders exchanged uneasy glances. Affea in particular tensed, her expression turning sharp, but she stayed silent as the discussion regarding Orion was already over.
