Dinner had progressed smoothly, each family savoring the dishes laid before them, their conversations rippling through the dining hall like the ebb and flow of a silent tide. Alaric remained an unwavering presence at the head of the table, his gaze shifting from one ally to the next, assessing reactions, noting the subtleties of their interactions. His calm exterior belied the anticipation simmering beneath the surface. This night would not end without solidifying the power his family held—and perhaps with a clearer understanding of those who might threaten it.
The evening's second course arrived, a selection of rare delicacies, and the mingling aromas created a warm, almost intoxicating atmosphere. At Alaric's signal, Gilbert approached, nodding as he discreetly opened the discussion, guiding the meal toward its true purpose.
