The change in Sage's expression was enough to stop everyone from leaving.
Chairs that had already been pushed back were pulled toward the table again, and the few people who had started gathering their things slowly settled down.
The room was still filled with the aftermath of the ownership discussion, the signed contracts stacked neatly beside Lyana and the last traces of relief still visible on several faces, but that mood faded quickly once everyone realized Sage was not done.
Gregor leaned back into his chair with a slight frown, Vanthrice rested one hand against the table while keeping her eyes fixed on Sage, and Brutus looked toward Boren as if silently warning him not to interrupt whatever was coming.
Even Mina, who had been whispering something to Lyana moments earlier, became quiet and turned her attention toward Sage.
Valeria remained the calmest of them all, but her gaze sharpened enough to show she had noticed the seriousness in his tone.
