Chapter 297: Appeal and Proclamation
Orion still stood at the center of the crowd, ringed by several Heads of House, wine glass in hand.
Walburga had formed her own circle by the fireplace with a cluster of wives, red wine in hand, holding forth on something. The women around her laughed, all at the same time, all by the same amount.
Sirius stood beside Orion, but the conversation washed over him in a language he couldn't parse.
Then Bella walked to the center of the hall.
The crowd parted on its own, opening a path for her without being asked.
She held her wine glass in one hand, the other hanging loose at her side, gaze sweeping the room.
The hall fell silent.
"Everyone." Magic carried her voice to every corner. "Having you here tonight is an honor for House Lestrange."
She scanned the crowd, eyes gliding across each face.