*******
After Kael led them to his massive throne room, he strode toward the elevated dais and settled into his grand seat. Lennox took his usual place nearby, while the rest of the group stood at the center of the marble floor, dwarfed by the towering pillars and gilded walls.
Kael's gaze flicked briefly toward Lennox before returning to the newcomers – the man and woman he presumed to be their leaders.
"For starters," he began, his tone calm but commanding. "I'm High Magus Kael, ruler of this realm. What are your names?"
"The name's Donovan Morgrim," the young man replied with a faint nod. "And this is my mate, Esmeray– of the Montague family."
Kael's brow lifted at that, interest gleaming in his eyes as he reclined on his seat. "The Montague?" he echoed, a hint of smile forming. "I've heard a great deal about that family. I must have met your father once or twice before his passing. He was a wonderful man. But what's this, a Montague and a Morgrim?"
