{THE ROYAL PACK}
{THE CENTRAL DISTRICT}
The cavern of dark stone and large, flickering torchlight thrummed with the king's celebration.
A long, black-wood table was laden with roasted meats and overflowing flagons, and a score of women, some entirely nude, others draped in translucent silks, danced to the wild, pounding rhythm of a drum. The air was thick with the scent of spiced wine and sweat.
At the head of the table sat King Hati, his obsidian eyes gleaming in the dim light. On either side of his throne-like chair lay his beasts: a pair of immense, black panthers with muscles that rippled beneath their sleek coats, their green eyes fixed on every movement. Behind the king, as usual, stood Lyra, a silent sentinel in the shadows.
