Chapter 684: Something Was Wrong

"Someone in this hall attempted to manipulate me through a spell," Aldric announced, his voice echoing off the high, stone walls. With his gaze unwavering, he waited for the pandemonium he was sure this was likely going to elicit. 

For a moment, it was as if time itself had stopped. Nearly every face in the room turned pale, every movement stilled. The air was thick with anticipation, the silence so profound it was almost tangible. 

Then, as if a switch had been flipped, startled gasps erupted across the hall. Faces twisted in shock and disbelief. Murmurs began to rise, at first soft and hesitant, then growing louder and more insistent with each passing second.

"Who would dare?"

"Is he serious?"

"This is an outrage!"