Chapter 7: The Weight of Roots
With a deep, steadying breath, Liora straightened her posture, wiping the last of her tears away as determination began to replace the fear in her eyes. "I'll do it," she said softly but firmly, her voice carrying a newfound resolve.
"what's the next step?" Elowen studied her for a moment, seemingly satisfied with the shift in her demeanor, and nodded. "for now, return to your daily life as if nothing has changed. Let me handle the council and prepare the groundwork. I'll send for you once I've resolved certain... details."
Her tone was calm but commanding, leaving no room for argument. Liora hesitated briefly, glancing toward the door as though imagining Evelyn waiting on the other side, then gave a small, resolute nod.
"alright. But please... don't let anything happen to her until then." Elowen's expression softened slightly, and she placed a reassuring hand on Liora's shoulder. "trust me. Now go."
Once Liora had left the chamber, Elowen turned her attention to the elders who had been waiting outside. Cedric leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, while Lucien paces nearby, clearly impatient.
"well?" Lucien prompted sharply as soon as Elowen stepped into view. "did you get answers? Or are we still playing guessing games with glowing sticks?" Elowen ignored the jab, her gaze steady and purposeful.
"gather the council. We need an emergency meeting—tonight. There are matters that require immediate discussion, and decisions that cannot wait." Cedric raised an eyebrow, pushing off the wall.
"this sounds serious. Should we brace ourselves for bad news—or worse news?" Elowen smirked faintly, though there was no humor in her eyes. "let's just say humanity's future might hinge on what happens next. But I can't wait for tonight meeting, I think it's gonna be more exciting than this troublesome audition."
The meeting took place in the dimly lit chamber on the top floor of the council office, the kind of room that seemed designed for secrets. The air was heavy with anticipations as the council members and Elowen gathered around the large wooden table, their faces illuminated by flickering candlelight.
It was well past midnight, a time chosen specifically to avoid prying eyes or loose lips. Elder Lucien Pendragon leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers impatiently.
"alright, Verdant Blade," she said, her tone laced with both sarcasm and curiosity, "you've got us all here at this ungodly hour. What's so urgent it couldn't wait until breakfast?"