Somewhere we saw the chamber. It was vast, hollow, and carved from dark stone. No light entered from the outside. Only faint orbs floated across the ceiling, pulsing slowly like the heartbeat of the room itself. In the center stood a circular table, its surface smooth and cold. Around it sat twelve figures, robed in black and violet, faces hidden by translucent masks that shimmered like thin water.
Footsteps echoed.
Seroi entered.
He no longer wore the dark commander uniform. Instead, he was draped in a silver-lined cloak, torn at the edges, soaked slightly by the mist that clung to his boots. His face was drawn. A long scar now crossed the bridge of his nose. His eyes were tired, but they burned with clarity.
He bowed.
"Councilors. I bring my report."
The voice that answered was female, smooth and ancient.
"Speak, Commander Seroi. We have waited long."
