Amidst the bustling fortress that the Aegis ship had just passed over, a multitude of individuals were seated at a large mahogany table, engaged in a serious meeting inside the highest point of the fortress castle.
An eyebrow was furrowed, followed by a succinct, commanding voice, "They what?"
The temperature in the area seemed to increase to staggering levels, and despite the strength of those in attendance, many couldn't help but gulp, signs of perspiration appearing on their foreheads.
Every single one of the individuals gathered had the same snow-white hair crowning their heads, but each with different styles. The man who had just been questioned struggled to respond, unable to meet the intense blue eyes of the man seated at the head of the table.
Luckily for him, another man came to his rescue.
"Pardon me, Lord Avalon, but what he said was the truth. The Nebulon family has also joined forces with the others. We're not sure why, but there have been signs of outright hostilities toward Ravenstein family members in their cities."
"Any deaths?"
The man bowed and respectfully answered, "A few."
The air became scorching in an instant, white smoke emanating from Avalon's figure seated at the head of the table.
The other men and women in attendance shifted uncomfortably in their seats, their bodies drenched in sweat. The metal items in the room seemed to expand in response to the intense heat, wisps of whitish smoke emanating from the skins of many.
Despite the discomfort, no one dared to complain or even try to leave. Everyone sat quietly, except for one man.
"Avalon, I get you're angry, but roasting your family members is not the solution."
A man impeccably dressed in a neatly tailored suit turned towards Avalon and spoke, a chuckle escaping his lips.
The woman whispered in his ear quickly and left the room as swiftly as she had come.
Doran swiftly turned and relayed the news to Avalon, "The Aegis airship has just crossed the border."
Avalon and Sirius's gazes narrowed in unison, their shock evident. Only three people had the power to deploy that airship, and two of them were currently in the room, which left only one person.
Magnus!
The gazes of many in the room widened, each of them visibly tense. Their paragon was here?
However, Avalon reacted differently, a smile suddenly appearing on his face. He knew that Magnus was getting his boy out of the academy but had no idea where they were going. If his father was here, didn't that mean...
Avalon abruptly stood up from his seat, his excitement palpable. Sirius seemed to come to the same conclusion, a small smile appearing on his face as he saw Avalon's excited expression.
The others in the room wore confused expressions, wondering just how the mood in the room had suddenly changed.
But Avalon had no intention of explaining the situation. "The Nebulon family is to be added to our blacklist. I give you full authority to retaliate when attacked but not before that. Remember, this is their sector. More warriors will be stationed here just in case any fight happens. I want a full report of the fortress's status every hour, not a second late. This meeting is adjourned."
With those words, Avalon turned and walked out of the room with Sirius directly behind him.
"You should calm down a bit; anyone would think you're marching into battle," Sirius teased.
Avalon, who had been rapidly walking down the hallway, suddenly stopped, awkwardly clearing his throat.
"Was my excitement that obvious?" Avalon turned towards Sirius and asked.
Sirius chuckled, wrapping his arm around Avalon's shoulder, "Old friend, it was radiating off you like heat from a forge. Lighten up!"
Avalon cleared his throat once more but didn't stop his steps. He reached outside and immediately boarded an airship along with Sirius.