"Dad and Grandpa?"
"They're attending to your mother, supreme ruler."
Atticus nodded, glancing around. Each Eldorian and paragon bowed when his eyes met theirs.
"As you're all aware," his said, "my mother was attacked by the leaders of the other worlds. They failed, but it revealed something important, mana contracts can't be trusted."
The expressions of the Eldorians hardened. Atticus had just confirmed their fears. Without mana contracts, how would loyalty be guaranteed?
"So," he continued, "from now on, I'll ensure your loyalty through my will. I've branded every necessary individual across the world. Now, it's your turn."
His will spread and enveloped all of them. They exchanged worried looks.
"Just close your eyes and don't resist."
Seeing no other choice, they complied, and Atticus branded each one.
'It's not any of them.'
Though he hadn't mentioned it, he'd used the opportunity and gone through each of their memories. But he didn't find anything.
