Think What You Want

The trial was over, but the air remained thick with tension as Charles, Lira, and Mira walked through the clan's corridors.

The silence between them was so heavy Charles could feel it pressing on his shoulders.

Lira led the way, her back straight and face expressionless, but her steps were faster than usual. Mira trailed close behind, head bowed, hands clasped tightly in front of her, clearly uncomfortable.

Charles, a few steps back, limped slightly from the pain of Zev's blows, each bruise throbbing with every step.

'This is weird,' he thought, scratching his neck. 'Why's no one talking? Feels like I'm at a funeral.'

Murmurs from other clan members echoed faintly in the distance, but no one dared approach the trio.

Charles opened his mouth to break the ice, but one glance at Lira's expression made him reconsider.

'Better shut up,' he thought. 'She looks like she's about to explode.'

Finally, they reached the door to Lira's room.