Chapter 76: Theories
>>Aelin
The tension in the meeting room was suffocating, the weight of their conversation pressing down on all of them. Draegon, Drakkar, and Draken sat in silence for a moment, their minds piecing together the fragments of a much darker reality.
Drakkar was the first to speak. "Okay, so far we know someone helped Ruoxy escape." His voice was low, as if saying it too loudly would make it even more real.
"It could hint that there are more people like Ruoxy around," Draken added, "Who simply haven’t shown themselves."
Ariston exhaled sharply, leaning back in his chair. "Then that means... there could be more."
Draegon shook his head. "More Abyss Worshippers."
Drakkar’s jaw tightened. "More of those fanatics hiding in the kingdom? Worshipping the Abyss?" His golden eyes flickered dangerously. "That’s absurd.."
Ariston crossed his arms. "Not just ’could be.’ There are more." Everyone turned to look at him,
"What makes you so sure?" Draegon asked. I could tell he wasn’t doubting Ariston but simply wanted to know his opinion.
Ariston sighed, rubbing his temple as if the conversation was giving him a headache. "Because you said it yourself." He lifted his gaze to Draegon. "You fought another Abyss creature in the forest. It was with Ruoxy, right?"
Draegon’s eyes narrowed, recalling the black goat-headed creature that had sunk its claws into his arm.