Chapter 5 - The Splintering of Mahogany
Sebastian moved.
He didn't walk.
He launched forward.
The young man’s bloody grin vanished.
He raised his arms to protect his face.
It was far too late.
Sebastian hit him squarely in the chest.
The impact lifted the young man completely off his squeaking leather shoes.
They flew backward together.
Behind them was a massive, round dining table.
It was covered in crystal glasses, silver platters, and lit candles.
The young man’s back hit the edge of the mahogany table.
Wood cracked like a gunshot.
The momentum carried them completely over the top.
The white linen tablecloth bunched up, tearing under their weight.
A hundred crystal glasses shattered simultaneously.
It sounded like a waterfall of diamonds hitting a stone floor.
Silver forks and knives flew into the air, spinning violently.
The heavy wooden chairs surrounding the table tipped backward and slammed onto the rug.
The table legs gave way.
The entire structure collapsed with a deafening roar.
Dust and smoke from snuffed candles billowed into the air.
The warm chandelier light caught the sparkling dust motes floating in the destruction.
From the armchair, Leo peeked through his fingers.
The noise was terrifying.
But the room suddenly felt incredibly safe.
In the center of the wreckage, Sebastian pushed himself up to his knees.
He grabbed the young man by the lapels of his ruined blue suit.
He slammed him back down into the broken wood.
Once.
The young man’s eyes rolled back.
His hands fell limp to his sides, resting amidst a pile of broken porcelain.
Sebastian let go.
He stood up slowly.
His white shirt was dusted with ash and spotted with red.
His knuckles were split, blood dripping slowly down his fingers.
He didn't look at the unconscious man beneath him.
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He turned his head slowly.
He stared directly at the Matriarch.
