The great hall felt emptier this time. No council of elders, no whispers bouncing off the walls. Only the lord sat upon the high seat, the weight of his presence filling the chamber all the same.
Arden and his party bowed their heads politely.
"There's no need for that," the lord said, his voice softer than before. It lacked the sharp command of their last meeting, but the pressure he carried still pressed down, reminding them who he was.
"I've heard of the Outbounds these past days," he continued, folding his hands as his gaze swept over them. "You did well on the supply route. I'll give you that."
Arden stepped forward slightly, his tone calm. "We only did what was asked of us, my lord. Nothing more."
The man's expression shifted, his words carrying more weight now. "Do not take it so lightly. You've crossed the path of the organization, whether you admit it or not. You've been lucky until now, but know this, luck won't shield you forever."
