章 143: I don’t like this

As the heavy doors of the council chamber slammed shut behind them, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The once familiar streets of Eldoria now seemed foreign and hostile. Emily felt the weight of their defiance against the council's demands for a blood oath. It was a bold move, but one that had immediately set them apart as targets. 

Valen walked beside her, his jaw clenched in silent frustration. Darius was a few steps behind, his eyes darting suspiciously at every passerby, as if expecting an attack at any moment. Lira and Alaric, usually more lighthearted, were uncharacteristically quiet, their faces drawn with concern. Emily knew that their refusal to submit to the council's oppressive demands had put them in a precarious position, but it was the right thing to do. They had to stand by their principles, no matter the cost.