SLAM.
The great oak doors of the council chamber slammed shut.
The Malkador family wasted no time. The moment news of Josen's failed awakening reached them, the elders gathered in an emergency session.
"All in favor of casting him out to the outskirts of Liones… to live with.....him?"
Hands rose instantly.
Every single one.
Except hers.
Mrs. Adam Malkador—Josen's stepmother. His strongest supporter. His only comfort in that cold, power-hungry house. Her hand trembled in her lap, knuckles white as she clenched her skirt.
Silence followed. The vote was finalized.
"It is sanctioned," the head elder declared flatly. "Effective immediately."
A servant stepped forward and handed Josen a sealed envelope.
"You have five hours to pack all belongings and sever all ties to the Malkador family," the steward said coldly. "Then you will take the 6 p.m. train to this address."
Mrs. Malkador said nothing.
She simply turned her face away, wiping silent tears with a lace handkerchief—torn between loyalty to the family… and love for the boy they were throwing away.
"Go to the barn house at st Peter square— there, you will meet.... Your grandfather, who, was also a DEFECTOR", Mrs malkador said
Before Josen could ask another question, his father cut him off and ordered him to pack.
"Scoff. Useless failure," he spat. "How dare you disgrace the Malkador name?"
Josen stood frozen.
Tears welled in his eyes, blurring the face of the man he had once admired—no, worshipped.
The man he had trained for, bled for, sacrificed everything for.
He had given up sleep.
Given up friends.
Given up his childhood.
All for this man's approval.
"Abandon those who slow you down."
"Sharpen your technique."
"Honor the Malkador name."
"You are a Malkador. Show it."
He had lived by those words.
Now they felt like knives in his chest.
"F–Father... I—"
"ENOUGH!"
The elder Malkador's voice boomed. "Be silent. Leave immediately."
His face twisted in irritation as he turned his back, striding away without a second glance.
"Your grandfather will teach you whatever worthless things Defectors know. Maybe then... you'll be of some use."
"Prove yourself, or the Malkador family will discard you completely."
"Prove yourself, or the Malkador family will discard you completely."