The Summoning That Shook the Mansion
Silence fell as the voice resonated through the elegant living room and beyond:
"Duke Leon Moonwalker. To the Royal Court. At once, I summon you."
The king's voice boomed through the mansion—not borne by messenger, nor inscribed in scroll—but flung directly by his own will, unfiltered and authoritative. It resonated through the marble floors, ascended the lofty arched walls covered in silk, and lingered like silent thunder over the room.
Time stood still.
Laughter was cut off in throats.
The dainty chime of porcelain came to rest in mid-motion.
Even the quivering candlelight appeared to catch its breath.
All looked in the direction of the noise—faces white, bodies tense—as if seized by a cold shiver. The mood changed in a flash, happiness engulfed by a dense, invisible presence.
