Silence spread through the open area near the ballroom's back doors like spilled ice water across tiles.
Nobles and academy students abandoned their lively conversations to stare in shock at the suddenly frozen, hostile tableau before them.
A crimson-eyed noble mage restrained a Crown-sponsored Ranker and his wolfkin companion in public before the entire watching court.
Most banquet guests could not identify Shelia's intended spell, but the hostile confrontation required no translation for anyone watching.
She pinned the King's newly chosen talent inside the middle of an official royal banquet without any visible shame.
The severe breach of court etiquette was too blatant for any noble family in the grand ballroom to excuse.
"Shelia, I am warning you for the final time, so listen very carefully!" Didi snapped, stepping forward with flared nostrils.
