The Gathering of Families

The grand royal dining hall gleamed under the warm glow of golden chandeliers, casting soft reflections off the marble floors and polished silverware. The air was thick with anticipation, as if the very walls of the mansion knew something significant was about to unfold. Alaric sat at the head of the table, his expression composed but his mind alert, waiting for the arrival of the powerful families who would soon join them. His family had taken their places as well, the familiar aura of their unity palpable in the room.