Chapter 31 – Council of Shadows
The great hall of Keal's new castle was bathed in dim silver light, the glow spilling from enchanted braziers that lined the walls. The ceiling stretched so high that shadows seemed to fade into infinity, and the black marble floor reflected the faint shimmer of cosmic runes carved into the stone.
The long obsidian table at the center was already occupied by Keal's commanders.
Nyx Drakonis, the Shadows Commander, sat in still silence, her posture perfect, her gaze sharp enough to cut steel. Beside her lounged Selvaria Duskborne, spinning a dagger idly between her fingers and wearing a smirk that promised mischief. Lyra Moonveil sat with her hands folded neatly, a faint smile on her lips as though she were the only truly sane one in the room.
Vaelgor Embercrest—in his human form—rested one elbow on the table, his long crimson hair spilling forward like fire, the black markings along his neck and jaw shifting faintly as if alive. His golden eyes scanned the room with the detached confidence of a predator.
And now, for the first time, Serenya Veylith took a seat among them. Cloaked in shadow, she sat motionless, her hood casting her face in darkness, though the faintest glint of a knowing smile could be seen. She exuded the calm of someone who could unravel reality itself without raising her voice.
Keal entered last.
The double doors opened with a deep groan, and his presence silenced the room without a word. His cosmic eyes glimmered faintly as he walked to the head of the table and sat upon the elevated black throne that overlooked the council chamber.
"Let's begin," he said simply, his voice carrying the weight of command.
Selvaria was the first to speak, leaning forward with a grin.
"So… we have a new cloak in the room." She gestured toward Serenya. "I'm guessing she's not here to pour tea."
"Perhaps I am here to pour truth," Serenya replied, her voice soft yet resonant, as though the air itself bent to carry her words. "Though truth… can be a poison."
Selvaria's grin widened. "Oh, you're going to be fun."
Vaelgor gave a low chuckle. "If she can bend reality with her words as they say, I'd rather she keep her mouth shut unless she's cursing our enemies."
Nyx finally spoke, her tone flat. "You'll find her useful, Embercrest. We're not here to play. The king has plans."
Lyra glanced between them, her voice calm but firm. "Plans work best when we don't try to kill each other in meetings."
Selvaria tilted her head innocently. "I wasn't going to kill her. Just… test her reflexes."
"I would have passed," Serenya replied without looking at her.
Keal allowed the banter to continue for a moment longer before lifting a hand, silencing them. "You've all proven yourselves in the field. Serenya now stands among you as a commander. Her presence will shift the balance in our favor. I expect you to work together… or I'll replace you with those who will."
The room grew still. Even Selvaria's smirk faded—slightly.
Myros Gravekeeper cleared his throat. He had been silent until now, but the thick tome in his hands hinted at his reason for being here.
"I bring news," he said, his voice echoing faintly in the chamber. "The translation of the ancient gate spell is nearly complete. Within days, I will have the final sequence ready."
That drew every commander's attention.
Nyx's eyes narrowed. "So soon?"
"Yes," Myros replied. "But the energy required to activate it will be… considerable. More than even your throne's power alone can sustain without consequence, Keal."
Selvaria leaned back in her chair, lips curling. "Consequence sounds fun."
"Fun for you," Lyra muttered.
Vaelgor crossed his arms. "If it's power you need, my dragons can lend their flames. If that doesn't suffice, then we take it from the living. There are worlds where power flows freely—like rivers ripe for the taking."
Serenya finally spoke again, her tone carrying that strange, heavy weight. "The gate will not only open paths… it will invite eyes. Be certain you're ready for what watches beyond."
Keal studied her for a moment before speaking. "Let them watch. We'll give them something worth fearing."
A faint ripple of power spread through the hall at his words, the cosmic runes in the floor pulsing once, like a heartbeat.
The meeting continued with strategies and subtle verbal duels between commanders, but the tone was set:
The Gate would open soon.
And whatever lay beyond, Keal intended to claim it.