After Valerie sent them away from the room, the four elders and Sebastian gathered in the reception hall, their faces heavy with concern.
Cedric and Sophie sat together, while Adam and Anastasia sat across from them. The room was silent, thick with unease until Cedric finally spoke, his voice low and troubled.
"Does Austin always train this hard?" he asked, turning to Sebastian.
Cedric couldn't shake the image of his son from his mind. Austin had looked utterly drained, barely able to stand. There were no visible wounds, but his whole body radiated pain as if every inch of him was screaming in agony.
The healer's words echoed in Cedric's head—Austin had inhaled too much smoke, his body had been pushed beyond its limits, and severe fractures and sprains covered him.
There was no permanent damage, but that didn't ease Cedric's worry. If Austin was always pushing himself this far, how long before he broke completely?
