Darius and the other top elders, Sylph and Aric, stood in silence over Thorne's lifeless body. The atmosphere was thick with tension, their faces etched with disbelief and unease.
Thorne, one of their strongest and most dependable, had returned only to die in front of them, delivering grim news with his final breath.
Sylph clenched her fists, her usually calm demeanor shattered. "How could this happen?" she muttered, her voice barely audible but laced with frustration.
Aric, his face pale with shock, shook his head slowly. "I can't believe it… Thorne, of all people... and in this state?" He looked to Darius, eyes searching for guidance, for some sense of control over the situation.
Darius's expression hardened as he turned to the intermediate elders who stood nearby, equally shaken. His voice, though steady, was heavy with the weight of loss. "Prepare a burial ceremony for Elder Thorne immediately," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for delay.
