Chapter 57 - 56: Breach Warning
Afternoon sunlight streamed through stained glass windows. Each panel depicted scenes from Association history of wars. The First Dimensional War. The Great Purge. The Continental Accords. Light cast colored shadows across faces locked in heated debate.
"The precedent matters more than sentiment," Voskar continued. His scarred hands gripped the table edge until knuckles went white. "Hunters need to understand that killing guild leaders brings immediate death. No exceptions. No mercy."
Callen Etros leaned forward across the table. Rage burned behind his eyes like forge fires. Veins bulged in his neck as family honor warred with political necessity.
"Leon Graves spat on everything the Virell bloodline built. Five generations of service to the Association. Distinguished combat records. Political alliances spanning three continents." His voice cracked with raw emotion. "Reduced to ash by one F-rank pretender who thinks personal grievance justifies destroying institutions."
ARES Guild representation demanded blood. Nothing less than execution would satisfy family pride or organizational integrity.
Vaela Murne straightened in her chair. White robes rustled with the authority of someone who’d dedicated forty years to healing arts. Her voice carried the weight of absolute moral conviction.
"Necromancy violates the fundamental laws of existence. Death should remain death. Life should stay life." She gestured toward the chamber door. "That boy’s abominations mock the sacred boundary between worlds. His very presence defiles nature itself."
Sanctuary Guild philosophy rejected undead magic on theological grounds. Leon’s abilities challenged everything their doctrine taught about proper order.
Lady Thelyra smiled behind jeweled fingers. Aristocratic amusement colored her voice. Political calculations danced behind intelligent eyes.