No one dared to move.
The Grand Elder's mere presence stifled the place.
Celeste felt her hair stand on end, her body warning her that if she stepped even an inch out of line, she would regret it. The silence stretched for a few moments, thick and uncomfortable, before the Grand Elder withdrew his aura.
Collectively, everyone released a breath they had been holding.
Tension dissipated from the viewing chamber.
The sensation of the air turning sharp had disappeared, as well.
"Oh dear, forgive me. Where are my manners? What a terrible host I am."
Celeste intuitively understood that this was the Grand Elder's way of apologising for his Territory's hospitality. She saw him send Zaruk a reproachful look, before his expression returned to one of amiableness, eager to put what just happened behind everyone.
