Chapter 29: THE LORDS ASSEMBLY
The Spire of Nine cast its elongated shadow across the Grand Assembly Hall like a massive needle piercing the heart of the capital. Reed stood at the threshold, the cacophony of voices washing over him in waves. Lords and Ladies from every domain had gathered, their distinct elemental signatures creating a nauseating tapestry of power that made his skin crawl.
"Remember," Shia whispered beside him, her voice barely audible above the din, "they expect you to fail. To embarrass yourself. Don’t give them the satisfaction."
Reed’s eyes narrowed as he surveyed the hall. Crystal chandeliers suspended in mid-air illuminated a space that defied conventional architecture—walls that curved impossibly, floors that seemed to breathe, and ceilings adorned with moving constellations that were unknown to any sky in the realm.
"I don’t intend to," he replied, squaring his shoulders.
The Assembly Hall was arranged in nine concentric circles, each elevated higher than the one before it. At the center stood a raised dais, currently empty, awaiting the Archons’ representatives. Around it sat the Nine Prime Lords, rulers of the most powerful domains, their bodies more elemental than flesh. One seat remained conspicuously empty—the place where the Lord of Hollow would sit, had Reed not been an anomaly.
As they entered, conversation faltered, then resumed with greater intensity. Eyes tracked their movement, some curious, others hostile. Reed felt each stare like a physical weight.
A severe-looking man in ceremonial robes approached, his face a mask of professional disdain. "Lord Reed of Hollow," he announced, loudly enough for nearby ears to hear. "You and your... attendant are assigned to the outer ring. Please follow protocol and refrain from addressing higher circles unless addressed first."
Reed smiled, the expression never reaching his eyes. "And who might you be, to assign me my place?"
The man stiffened. "Master of Ceremonies Validus, servant to the Archons’ will."
"Well, Master Validus," Reed leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper that somehow carried across the space between them, "I’ll sit where I choose."
Before Validus could protest, Reed strode past him, making directly for the fourth circle—not so high as to provoke immediate confrontation, but well above where an anomaly like him would be expected to position himself. Shia followed, her face impassive but her posture tense, ready for trouble.