The scraps of flesh stuck to the ceiling and the dried flecks of blood were slowly blasted down with high-pressure jets using precious recycled purified water. Yet the blood forced into the crystal seams by sound waves could not be washed away no matter what they did. A ring of pink, ripple-like stains would remain forever on the white marble ceiling of the circular lounge hall. All the important officials of the Attilan Royal Family and Civilian Clans stood outside the door, their faces grim and silent.
They did not want to enter that room, nor did they want to watch the staff clean up the remains. Blood-scented water mixed with the smell of detergent flowed slowly before them, only to be sucked away by another cleaning device. It was not because they feared the danger of Black Bolt losing control again. They understood that it had been an accident, and Black Bolt was awake now. But this could not be easily ignored, because the person who had died during Black Bolt's loss of control was a highly respected elder of the Attilan Royal Family, an important official who had once assisted King Agon and Queen Regent Linda.
This was a humiliation, even if it had only been an accident.
This was a political crisis. In the past, Black Bolt would have had time to deal with it slowly. But now war was imminent, and the flames of battle had already reached the outskirts of the settlement. Whether they should allow a king who had once lost control to lead them, all the clans, and the Gene Council was now a question worth considering.
"If any of you think you are suited for it, then step forward." Crystal tied up her long golden hair in a high ponytail. Her eyes