Chapter 118: The councils of shadows
The morning sun filtered through the stained-glass windows of the palace, casting golden and crimson hues on the marble floor. It should have been a symbol of peace, but the energy in the air was thick—heavy with grief, vengeance, and something darker still.
The throne room was silent except for the low hum of power coming from the three children seated on the steps below the thrones. Azrael Jr., Caelan, and Rina sat close together, their expressions unreadable, as if they had aged years overnight.
At the far end, Cain and Selene stood beside Eira and Eren, watching them.
Selene glanced at Cain. "They don't sleep. They hardly eat."
"They're preparing," Cain said softly. "Like soldiers."
"They're children."
Cain didn't answer, because he knew Selene already understood.
The doors opened with a boom as Leo and Zara walked in, followed by their surviving generals and advisors. Some looked frightened—others curious. But none dared speak first.
Cain turned to the group. "The council begins now."
Azrael Jr. stood up, his voice clear and cold. "We've identified the black arrows that killed our grandparents. They were laced with void essence. A magic long believed extinct."
Gasps rippled across the room.