Chapter 217 Bribery, Desperation

• As the elders slowly filtered out of the grand hall, the heavy atmosphere lingering like a dark cloud, Aidan and Blake moved away from the gathering. The tension between them was palpable, though neither spoke immediately, each lost in their thoughts.
• Aidan’s expression was stern, his jaw clenched tightly as he replayed the events of the morning in his mind. His dark eyes, usually warm and inviting, were now shadowed with anger and disbelief. Blake, walking beside him, noticed the rigid set of Aidan’s shoulders, the way his hands curled into fists by his sides. He knew Aidan was holding back, barely managing to contain the storm brewing inside him.
• After a few moments, Blake broke the silence. “Are you alright?” he asked, his voice low and laced with concern. He had known Aidan since childhood, and while he admired the young man’s resilience, he also knew that the attack had shaken him.