When Thomas returned to Wayne Tower, Barn Owl had already convened a meeting with the other five Round Table members.
Ignoring the Cub trying to stop him, he angrily pushed open the door to the secret chamber.
In the flickering candlelight, the five people wearing owl masks turned their heads in unison like marionettes. The person in the reddish-brown mask at the head of the round table was presumably Barn Owl.
"Gentlemen, no one informed me that the meeting had begun."
Thomas was furious, but the Elliot Family's long-standing standards of decorum still made him rein in his temper. Maintaining his elegance, he took out a handkerchief and wiped his hand.
A Cub had touched that hand during the argument just now, and it disgusted him.
"Snow Owl, I believe I told you that until this matter is concluded, you will continue to lead the Divergent Arbitration Court. I will take full responsibility for the affairs of the Round Table members."
Barn Owl sat in Thomas's former seat with his hands clasped, candlelight crackling in his eyes.
"I understand, Mr. Barn Owl. But I have the right to stand here because the blood of the Elliot Family runs through my veins. What about you? What gives you the right to order me around?"
Thomas spread his arms and confidently surveyed the room, meeting the eyes of each Round Table member before finally resting his gaze on Barn Owl's face.
He believed the words he had just spoken carried considerable weight.
Taking himself as an example, Round Table members received a strict education from childhood. Reverence for the rules and loyalty to the Court were seared deep into their minds like a brand.
Even if Barn Owl revealed himself to be a descendant of the Four Families, he still had absolutely