Blood Is Thicker Than Water

The next morning turned out to be quite gloomy and dark. The sky was covered with a thick veil of gray clouds that were ready to release a heavy snowfall upon the quiet northern lands. 

The castle's reading room was filled with awkward silence; only the light crackling of the fireplace distilled the heavy atmosphere with its snappy melody. It almost sounded like there was an invisible presence that kept stepping on the dry branches, breaking them with the power of its weight. 

Aideen and Ahspid were sitting in the plush armchairs one next to another; their sharp eyes were firmly fixed on the Utarian man sitting in front of them. 

The princess' arms were crossed in front of her chest, her face was marred with a somewhat menacing look.