Under the radiant glow, every god became fully visible.
Their thrones no longer hid in shadow. Authority pressed down from all directions, the chamber alive with divine presence.
Zane stood at the center, hands relaxed, posture casual.
"Why don't we discuss," he continued, his smile thinning just a little,
"exactly why all of you should stay very, very far away from the mortal realm."
A calm, soothing voice answered him.
Thalira stepped forward slightly, her expression serene, almost regretful.
"Zane Creed," she said evenly, "you do not understand. The annihilation of Orimund was necessary. If Orimund is not destroyed, the aftermath could harm the universe itself."
Zane tilted his head.
"And that's because of…" he paused deliberately, then smirked,
"let me guess. The Abyssals?"
The moment the word left his mouth, the chamber stirred.
Whispers rippled among the gods.
Primordius's eyes widened—first in shock, then burning with fury.
Thalira's calm faltered, just slightly.
