As the patriarch entered the hall, his towering presence silenced the remaining murmurs. The guests, who had been murmuring in the wake of Jolthar's violent outburst, immediately turned their gaze to him. His sharp, cold eyes scanned the room, but his attention was momentarily caught by the scene where Tolian had been beaten within an inch of his life.
His deep voice cut through the tense air.
"What's happening here?"
Elowen moved swiftly and tapped Maena on the shoulder, gesturing for her to act quickly.
Without hesitation, Elowen stepped forward, gathering her children and guiding them toward the patriarch, her expression calm but firm.
"Patriarch," she greeted with a respectful bow. "Welcome back."
The guests quickly turned their attention toward the Patriarch, their whispers fading into silence. Caelum's commanding aura demanded respect, and even the most curious eyes shifted away from Jolthar and Tolian.
