After the meeting, the different Heroes were told their parents would meet with them soon, then they were dismissed.
"The summit requires absolute privacy for the logistical phase," a warden of the Bastion approached them, speaking annoyingly formal.
The man was clad in pristine white robes that blended seamlessly with the cathedral's glowing architecture. He gestured down a long, sweeping corridor with a bowed head. "The Heroes' Party is to wait in the western antechamber until summoned."
As directed, the Heroes walked the length of the hall in suffocating silence. The pale, shadowless light of the Bastion offered no comfort, only highlighting the deep, fracturing lines running through their ranks.
Aethelstan was in front as always, brimming with anger, side-eyeing Nessa as they stomped toward the antechamber. When Nessa caught his stare, he grunted. "What are you looking at?" And he looked away.
