The tall double doors that led into the council room opened and Petrov stepped in first, walking slowly with his hands clasped behind his back as he approached the large round table at the center of the room. Behind him, Julian, the youngest council member, followed hesitantly. His small frame was almost completely hidden behind Petrov's taller one.
At the head of the table, Damien was already seated, and as Petrov and Julian took their seats, he inclined his head slightly in greeting. "Petrov."
His eyes shifted to Julian, giving him a small nod. "Hello, Julian."
Julian sank deeper into his chair, waving timidly. "Hello, Lord Damien," he murmured, barely audible.
Just as the doors were about to fully close, it stopped for a second before swinging open again, and Argilia strode in.