The room was silent, with only four people visible. Strax settled down at the table, leaning back slightly in his chair as his eyes passed over the figures in his group. The "strongest" were there, watching him with the attention he knew he deserved. Each one seemed to be in a different state of mind, and he could feel the tension growing in the air.
Xenovia, her eyes still red from crying, looked at Kryssia with an expression of deep relief. Although her face was marked by grief, there was something comforting about the way the young woman now seemed lighter, to be back by her friend's side.
Kryssia, on the other hand, was distant. The silent fury at having been turned into a demon still burned in her chest, but she kept her posture upright. Her emotions were contained, her anger still fresh, but the fighting spirit she had always had would never disappear. She stood there, waiting, watching Strax with weary patience, ready to hear what he had to say.
