As the Empire official concluded, the grand hall slowly emptied. Mages from every tower filed out
in clusters, their robes swishing in a riot of colors, hushed conversations buzzing like insects as
they disappeared through towering marble archways.
Inferax cracked his knuckles as he left, Dragan lumbering behind him, his laugh echoing off the
vaulted ceilings. Seraphine threw one lingering, mysterious look at Ethan before following the Fire
Tower's contingent.
Frosthaven drifted away in near silence, his followers gliding after him like winter wraiths. Soon
only the Dark Mage Tower remained in the vast, echoing chamber.
Velexaria exhaled a small breath. "Come. Let's get back to our quarters. I'd prefer to strategize
without curious ears listening in."
They left the Imperial Mage Assembly and wove through dusky streets lit by floating lanterns.
Duskwatch's marble spires glowed silver in the starlight, and the hum of late-night markets drifted
on the cool breeze.
