When they returned to the lounge, the atmosphere had shifted dramatically. A palpable tension hung in the air, reminiscent of the stillness before a storm.
Through the open arches, sounds from the Guild Hall filtered in, laughter, clattering metal, footsteps, and chatter, but inside the lounge, it all felt distant and muted.
Gregor leaned against a pillar with his arms crossed. Mina perched on the edge of her seat, swinging her short legs while her golden twin ponytails bounced lightly. Pax had already settled back into his chair, his posture relaxed and eyes half-closed as if he were dozing off; Sage knew better than to be fooled by that facade.
Valeria remained where she was, distant and cold, her presence sharp like a blade resting quietly in its sheath.
Sage stood silently for a moment before speaking. "I have an announcement to make," he said calmly and deliberately.
The simplicity of his words carried significant weight.
