Mayor Harrison let the tension hang in the air for a moment before raising a hand, signaling everyone to stand down.
"Enough," he said calmly. "Let's not turn my home into a battlefield just yet."
He gestured toward the soaked man who had just climbed back inside, water dripping onto the polished floor.
"This," Harrison continued, "is Rajid."
I let out a low chuckle, leaning back in my chair as I looked him up and down.
"That guy is one of the strongest?" I said, voice dripping with sarcasm.
The room shifted immediately.
Every person present stiffened. Some frowned. Others narrowed their eyes. A few looked outright offended, like I had just insulted their mothers.
Rajid's grip tightened around his daggers. His jaw clenched so hard it looked like it might crack.
"You—" he started, but Harrison cut him off again.
Still, the damage was done. The air turned heavy and hostile.
I waved a hand dismissively.
