Sebastian stood there, his expression grave.
He carried no tray nor drink. He simply arrived with his usual presence that always seemed to command attention.
Rowan and Ingrid both looked up immediately.
"Morning," he greeted as he sat.
"Morning," Wade replied.
Sebastian looked at each of them, his expression neutral. "I see you've already heard."
Rowan nodded slowly. "Hard not to."
Sebastian's gaze hardened. "Then there's no point in delaying. The guilds have confirmed it. There's no longer any doubt."
He paused, the quiet cafeteria seeming to hush even further around them.
"The horde is real," he said at last. "And it's heading for Hiving."
Silence filled the air for a few seconds, then Sebastian exhaled through his nose.
"News just reached me from the higher ups of our guild," he said. "In preparation for the coming battle, all lower-layer dungeons we own have been opened for free access."
Rowan's head snapped up. "For free?"
