Deep within the heart of the mountain, in a cavern so vast that the far walls were lost in shadow, the leaders of the Azure Sky Palace held their council.
The chamber was stark and ancient.
The floor was made of a single, polished sheet of black obsidian that reflected the light of a massive, gently floating crystal at the center of the room.
The air was still and cold, heavy with the weight of centuries of power.
Ten figures sat around a simple, circular stone table.
At the head sat the Sect Master, Valerius, a man so old his face was a web of deep lines, but his eyes were as sharp and clear as a winter sky.
The others were the core elders, the true pillars of the sect. Among them was Elder Boros, his long white beard resting on the stone table, his expression weary.
"The final report on the new disciples," Elder Boros said, his voice echoing in the vast, silent chamber. He pushed a thick scroll across the table towards the Sect Master.
