The words hung in the air. Nobody immediately answered. Lucious didn't even turn around. His gaze remained fixed on the window, and his hands clasped behind his back.
"So, you didn't get to see her," Lucious said calmly.
Julio's jaw tightened further. His fingers drummed against the arm of the chair. "I did."
That earned Lucious' attention. He turned slowly, his dark eyes finding his son's face across the room.
"Report."
Elder Joe cleared his throat first. He shifted in his seat, the leather creaking beneath him. "It was an official arrangement, Patriarch. Properly documented. Properly approved."
Lucious did not interrupt. He waited, patient as stone.
Joe continued. "Elder Benjamin proposed finding the Alpha a Luna before the end of the year. The Beta reviewed every possible candidate sent by the council. He approved Vessara Stavros. And the Alpha accepted."
Silence followed.
