The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a single enchanted lantern casting elongated shadows against the dark mahogany walls. The silence was thick, almost suffocating, as three figures sat within the vast chamber, their expressions unreadable.
Alex sat with his arms resting on the armrests of an intricately carved wooden chair, his posture relaxed but his mind anything but. His mother, Vanessa Drakathor, sat directly across from him, her piercing blue-violet eyes locked onto his own with an intensity that was difficult to meet.
[You won't be able to avoid it today.] Sophie's voice rang in his head, causing him to take a deep breath.
'I know,' he replied inwardly, fully aware of what was going to happen.
He glanced at Alenia, who sat beside Vanessa. Unlike Vanessa's sharp, almost overwhelming presence, Alenia's aura was softer, her deep emerald eyes holding a warmth that made her a source of comfort rather than intimidation.
