The grand hall of the Eye was bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the polished stone floor as the council members began to disperse.
In the aftermath of the intense discussion, Hiroto's voice resonated with authority yet carried a personal note as he addressed Derek, "Send over your daughter and Arthur here. I want to talk to them alone."
Derek, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected request, raised a brow but then nodded understandingly as he and the other council members exited the room, leaving the space feeling significantly larger and more imposing.
Arthur and Rachel, having been summoned unexpectedly, exchanged a look of surprise and mild apprehension.
Rachel's heart raced with a mix of nervous anticipation; the possibility that the Judge might unearth secrets she wished to keep buried was a real fear for her.
