Maps lay open on the table. Reports were read. Decisions were made.
And yet..
"General?"
Alaric blinked.
Arin was watching him closely, his raised a brow. "You've missed the last two points."
The room fell silent.
Marcus glanced up. Carlden's eyes narrowed slightly. They all knew Alaric Blake did not miss details.
Alaric straightened. "Repeat it."
Arin leaned back in his chair, not doing so. "You're distracted," he said plainly. "And that only happens when something is wrong."
"Nothing is wrong."
Arin studied him for a long moment. Then asked, "Is Daphne well?"
That did it. Alaric's hand clenched on the table. "She's fine," he said too quickly.
Marcus noticed. Carlden noticed. Arin definitely noticed.
Arin's voice softened. "You hesitated."
Alaric's eyes flicked away. "She's fine," he repeated. "Continue the meeting."
No one pushed further. They finished shortly after.
