"Lord Malakor and I shall deal with this 'Riku' ourselves."
"Thank you. Everyone, the meeting is dismissed. Continue with your respective roles, and do what you must. However, failure will not be tolerated. " Malakor got up from his chair and spoke with finality.
"Understood, Lord Malakor." Everyone, including Riku, bowed and paid their respects. However, Riku noticed it once again.
The bodyguard - he was just standing there, without any movement or signs of bowing. It looked like he was in deep thought.
Was the person really just a bodyguard for Lord Malakor? Why did it seem like he was the one calling all the shots?
Just when Riku had almost left the hall, the bodyguard's voice came from behind.
"Alaric, right? Please stay for a while. Lord Malakor would like to speak with you."
Lady Vayne wanted to stay back as well; however, her husband, Albus, motioned for her to leave Alaric alone and move on. Reluctantly, she gave a last look at her son and then left.
