Darius glared at Sorien, his expression dark and tense.
Sorien slowly stood up, smoothing his sleeve as if nothing unusual had happened.
"Remember what I said, Darius," he said evenly. "Don't try it."
Darius scoffed, but Sorien continued before he could speak.
"You are already known as a bad patriarch within your own clan," Sorien said.
Darius's eyes twitched.
"But don't become the worst kind," Sorien added, his voice firm, "by destroying your own clan with your own hands."
Silence filled the hall.
Sorien turned his head slightly. "Sindral."
Sindral immediately stood up, his posture straight. "Yes."
Without another glance back, Sorien began walking toward the exit.
Sindral followed closely behind him, his footsteps echoing softly across the stone floor.
The doors closed behind them.
For a few seconds, Darius remained still.
Then his fist slammed down on the armrest.
"Damn it!" he snarled. "Damn it, Sorien!"
His breath came out heavy as anger burned in his eyes.
