Whispers suddenly erupted in the hall, rippling across the faces of the elves seated at the long, ornate table. Their eyes flicked toward the humans, distaste clear in every glance, as if silently judging their very presence. Edward instantly understood the unspoken accusation.
"Someone dies just as we arrive… we couldn't look any more guilty," he thought, reading the expressions like an open book.
The elven King, however, remained unfazed, his gaze calm and measured.
"My apologies, everyone, but I believe our dinner must be cut short," the King announced. At his words, all the elves rose in unison, bowing politely before leaving in an orderly, silent procession. The rustle of silk and the soft echo of footsteps filled the hall.
Arthur, Edward, Aeris, and Seraphine rose as well, but before they could follow, the King spoke again.
