The flickering light of the fire danced across the walls of the mansion's library, casting elongated shadows on the faces of the gathered group. The weight of what Aluxio was about to share was palpable, a silence stretching between them like a taut string, ready to snap.
Aluxio sat at the edge of the large table, his posture rigid and his expression inscrutable. His vibrant blue hair shimmered faintly, catching the light in a way that was eerily reminiscent of Lilith's. Across from him, Lilith sat with her arms crossed, her face a mask of both defiance and trepidation.
"I didn't want to do this here," Aluxio began, his voice low and gravelly. "But you deserve to know the truth. About me. About Albaz. And about why I've done what I've done."
Avilyn, seated beside Lilith, shot him a wary glance. "Then start talking," she said, her tone sharp but not unkind. "No more half-truths, Aluxio. If we're going to stand any chance against Albaz, we need everything."