Silence hit the table like a hammer.
Duban sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes going wide, staring at Malik like he'd grown horns.
Safira rubbed her temples, perplexed by such a revelation.
She knew that he was at least a third sub-rank, an Al-Saif, but this?
This was something else.
There was no way he was the man she knew.
He couldn't have become... this, in the time they hadn't seen each other.
The rest reacted much the same, all but one showing surprise.
Graybeard being that 'one.'
Malik clicked his tongue.
He felt their stares but wasn't about to acknowledge them.
Flicking his gaze back to Nasir, he ignored Duban, who began to softly tap his side, wanting his attention for at least a moment.
"Move on."
Nasir chuckled but didn't push.
Instead, he leaned forward, both hands on the table.
"I had my suspicions, but after you so kindly did what I asked, I grew sure of it. With your addition, the number of Jinn on the battlefield ironically increases to twelve."
