Valen stood just outside the council chamber, her posture composed, her expression unreadable to the guards stationed nearby, though her attention remained fixed on the closed doors before her.
Inside, the meeting had gone on longer than expected, the muffled voices rising and falling in uneven patterns that suggested tension rather than discussion.
"He has not spoken for several minutes," Lucas muttered from beside her, his arms folded as he leaned slightly against the wall, though his gaze remained fixed on the doors as well, his usual ease replaced by something more alert.
Valen did not look at him, "this is unlike him," she replied calmly, though her tone carried a faint edge that betrayed her awareness of the situation.
Lucas huffed quietly, "that is an understatement," he said, straightening slightly as his expression tightened. "The last time he went silent during a meeting, someone ended up being thrown out of the chamber."
