The change in the atmosphere did not need to be spoken out loud for the Moonshade Family to feel it pressing against their skin like a cold wind. It was there in the way Lord Vord no longer tried to hide the tension in his jaw, in the way Elder Achilor's gaze had turned from observant to measuring, as if he were no longer looking at guests, but at resources that had failed to meet expectations.
The nobles had stepped back, their results already decided, their pride shaken even if none of them voiced it openly. Now, as silence lingered once again, the Moonshade Family began to murmur among themselves, their voices no longer filled with the same confidence as before.
"What do we do now…"
"That look… did you see their faces…"
"They are not pleased…"
"They expected more from us…"
"They expected strength…"
