Fredricks slammed both palms onto the table and rose from his seat.
The heavy impact echoed throughout the Council Hall as the old man's finger pointed directly at Ezra, his face carrying clear displeasure.
"Lowline."
His voice came out sharp.
"Not only did you spend an entire year inside the Trial of Steel knowing about the sins committed by your family, but you also remained silent about the entire matter."
The other Elders turned toward him.
Some remained expressionless.
Others quietly observed accessing the weight of his words.
Fredricks looked around the table as though presenting a convincing argument.
"Only after returning and discovering that they intended to steal your identity did you suddenly decide it was the right time to reveal the truth."
His gaze returned back to Ezra.
The pressure behind those eyes would have made most young Alchemists lower their heads immediately.
Yet Ezra remained standing calmly.
His expression barely changed.
