The tent was silent except for the hum of the mana screen. Numbers shifted across its surface as the final tallies of the Hunt updated in real time.
The name at the top glowed brighter than the rest:
1st – Noel Thorne.
2nd – Selene von Iskandar.
3rd – Marcus (Nivaria line).
The silence shattered.
"This is absurd!" Mirelle's voice cut sharp, her jeweled fingers slamming against the table. "That boy could never outpace Sylvette—twenty-four hours without rest? Impossible!"
Serina leaned forward, eyes blazing. "Do you expect us to believe he surpassed Marcus too? He isn't even—"
"Enough."
Albrecht Thorne's voice struck the air like an iron bell. The two women froze, their protests choking in their throats. He didn't raise his tone, but the weight behind it silenced the entire tent.
Albrecht's gaze swept the gathered patriarchs and matriarchs, unflinching. "You all saw it. Every one of you."
