The oppressive silence hung heavy in the air, causing Alaric and Kastiel to feel as though their very souls had departed their bodies, drifting aimlessly through the cosmos. Charlotte, her intellect typically sharp but momentarily lagging behind due to the shocking nature of Carlton's accusations, took a moment to process his words before her eyes widened in horrified comprehension. She clapped a hand over her mouth as she gaped at Carlton.
Meanwhile, Empress June found herself mentally adrift, her thoughts whirling like a maelstrom as she grappled with Carlton's astonishing claims - it was as if she were confronted with an array of complex mathematical equations demanding solution, but even more confounding than any formula devised by mortal minds.
After a beat, during which she managed to compose herself with an almost imperceptible smile and voice quavering slightly with barely restrained emotion, the Empress addressed Carlton:
