"Reason," she said, her tone devoid of emotion, as if she were discussing something mundane.
The woman's face contorted with confusion, her anger momentarily giving way.
"What?" she asked, her voice faltering. The sharp edge in her tone softened as she struggled to understand Jiho's response.
"Reason! Why do you call me here for?" Jiho's voice was a cold, unfeeling blade, cutting through the tension in the room.
Her eyes, hard and unyielding, scanned the faces before her, knowing that the expressions of love and warmth were nothing but a facade. She saw the anger, the hidden hatred, that simmered behind their forced smiles.
The woman's face twisted further with fury, her eyes narrowing as if she had been struck. She took a step forward, but the old mer tightened his grip on her arm, his eyes pleading for calm.
Despite his efforts, the woman's anger was palpable, her body trembling with barely contained rage.
