The grand sitting room of Malfoy Manor was decorated in opulent shades of silver and grey, but its elegance was overshadowed by the tension in the air. Orion Black and Abraxas Malfoy stood before Lucius Malfoy, who was seated behind a large mahogany desk. The room was silent except for the occasional crackle of the fireplace.

Lucius's gaze was stern as he addressed the two young men. "Orion, Abraxas, do you both understand why your behavior today is so troubling?"

Orion shifted uncomfortably, anxiety knotting his stomach. Despite the cool room, he could feel sweat forming at the back of his neck. "Yes, sir," he managed to reply, though his voice wavered.

Lucius's eyes narrowed as he focused on Abraxas. "This behavior isn't just a personal mistake. It reflects poorly on our families and undermines the image we work hard to maintain. Such actions can have serious consequences, including damaging alliances and reputations that are difficult to restore."

Abraxas's face flushed with shame as he looked down. "I understand, Father. I'm sorry. It was a mistake, and it won't happen again."

Lucius's tone remained stern. "I expect better from both of you. You need to exercise better judgment, especially in situations where appearances matter so much. The impact of your actions goes beyond your immediate circle and affects the broader perception of our families."

Orion's breath quickened, and he felt a wave of dizziness. He clenched his hands into fists, trying to steady himself. The room seemed to spin slightly, and his stomach churned with anxiety. He glanced at Abraxas, whose expression mirrored his own discomfort.

Lucius's gaze shifted back to Orion. "Is there something you'd like to say, Orion? You seem particularly unsettled."

Orion swallowed hard, his throat dry. "I—I didn't realize how serious it was. I'm really sorry, Mr. Malfoy. I—I panicked. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Lucius's expression softened slightly as he observed Orion's distress. "Panicking doesn't excuse the lapse in judgment. However, recognizing the seriousness of the situation is a step in the right direction."

Orion nodded quickly, relieved by the slight easing of tension but still feeling overwhelmed. "I understand. I'll make sure to be more careful in the future."

Lucius gave a curt nod. "Very well. We will discuss the specifics privately, but I expect you both to reflect on the seriousness of your actions. It's important that you learn from this experience."

With that, Lucius dismissed them, and Orion and Abraxas exchanged uneasy glances before leaving the room. As they walked down the grand corridor, Orion took deep, shaky breaths, trying to calm the turmoil inside him. The weight of the day's events pressed heavily on his shoulders, leaving him to wonder how he could make amends and regain his sense of control.