The silence that follows is suffocating. The only sound is the faint crackle of fire in the sconces and the dull hum of power radiating from the four peak tier 6 guardians by the throne.
Alix's gaze sweeps over them, unreadable. Shadows curl faintly at his shoulders, shifting as though alive. For a long moment, he says nothing, simply letting the weight of his presence settle deeper into their bones.
Then, at last, his voice comes. Calm. Low. Commanding.
"Rise."
The single word cuts like steel.
The rulers hesitate, then obey, pushing themselves upright with stiff motions. Their heads remain bowed slightly, unable to meet his eyes for long.
Alix leans back slightly against his throne, one hand resting on its armrest. His gaze drifts across each of them as though measuring their worth.
"Welcome," he says, his tone smooth yet carrying the weight of an ocean, "to my kingdom."
