Chapter 300 Golden Decision
Private Council Room, Celesthall Tower
A few moments after reviewing the Pactum
Celesthall Tower looms majestically amidst the night's darkness, with soft moonlight streaming through the arched windows, casting intricate silhouettes of its grand architecture. The stone walls, steeped in history, are adorned with ancient carvings that narrate engaging tales of rulers and traitors, adding a mystical aura to this room. Each step on the wooden floor seems to awaken echoes that recall whispers of the past—when secrets were closely guarded and truths were risked in the intricate game of politics that has unfolded for centuries, reminiscent of great historical dramas illustrating how power can shape or destroy fate, shaping the very essence of kingdoms.
Sheena rose from her chair, the heavy fabric of her gown rustling audibly in the hushed room. The lantern's light fell on her face, emphasizing the noble lineage of Elyndra—a beauty forged by centuries of suffering.
In the tension enveloping the room, Sheena's breaths felt labored, as if the world around her had faded away for a moment. Her spirit wrestled between ambition and responsibility, each passing second stretching longer than usual. The weight of her decision bit at her like a venomous snake, and her body trembled softly under the unseen pressure, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation.
Behind her, Fitran stood resolutely, his gaze fully fixed on Sheena's face. He understood that this decision was not an easy one.
Kaeso was still waiting. His hands rested on the table, as if he could hardly contain his impatience to hear the word "yes," a word that would change everything. In his heart, he felt the weight of this agreement, which promised not only power but also marked the loss of the independence that had been entrusted to his family for generations. In that tense atmosphere, even his heartbeat resonated, signaling that the time must come soon, or all hope would vanish in an instant, like a sheet of paper burned by the flames of a hasty decision.
Sheena lifted the scroll of Pactum Aurum Vetustas, opened the first page, and then gently closed it again. A chill enveloped the room as those words echoed in her mind, conjuring images of the consequences that lay ahead. She envisioned how the faces once full of hope could now twist into expressions of anger and regret if the choice went awry. The background sound of the wind rustling through the window seemed to whisper, "Betray, or you will lose everything," amplifying the emotional burden she bore, as if pulling her into a whirlpool of doubt where every option carried risks that could forever alter her life.
"No."
That single word resounded like the tolling of judgment bells.
"I will not surrender my blood. I will not offer this curse as a means for profit. Not to the Council. Not to anyone."