Chapter 132: The Crimson Summit
The chamber was lit by a thousand flickering flames, each dancing atop iron sconces forged in the shape of crowned skulls. This was the Hall of Concord neutral territory carved deep beneath the Bloodridge Mountains, far from the reach of any kingdom. Only summoned in times of impending collapse, the Crimson Summit had not been convened in over two centuries. The last time, a thousand kingdoms died.
Cambria stood at the center of the obsidian floor, her crown gleaming beneath the firelight. Her cloak of sable feathers dragged behind her, whispering of storms. Beside her, Lucien Vale stood like a ghost returned from the grave, draped in silver war armor carved with the Blackwood sigil. Evelyn flanked her opposite side, unnervingly composed, her fingers resting lightly on the edge of her blade.
All around them, power gathered.
The northern Frost Kings entered first, wrapped in glacier furs and silence, their breath misting in the cold air. Then came the Eastern Dragon Emissaries, their eyes slit and gleaming, trailing incense smoke that reeked of fire and judgment. The southern Grand Viziers arrived in golden robes, faces veiled behind lacquered masks, whispering omens in forgotten tongues.
Last came the Wraith Court.
And with them Knox.
He entered dressed in blackened steel, a crown of twisted ash upon his brow. His presence sucked the warmth from the air, and even the flames dimmed in response. Eyes turned. Voices died. The former prince turned executioner walked straight to the central dais and locked eyes with Cambria.
"I see we’ve finally gathered," he said coolly, voice echoing. "Shall we discuss whose head should roll first?"
No one laughed.
Cambria didn’t blink. "We are here because your war has consumed four nations in six months. Because the skies burn and rivers bleed. Because your obsession with Pandora has unleashed something none of us fully understand."
Knox tilted his head. "You mean you don’t understand. I understand it perfectly. The world was broken long before me. I’m simply cleaning up the mess."