The silence inside the council chamber stretched, thick and suffocating. Eighteen Generals sat upon their thrones, carved from magical objects that Zakar could not make out.
In the middle of the chamber stood General Lemon, bound by the glowing seal etched into the floor. The silvery runes pulsed faintly, suppressing his system.
Zakar stood off to the side, his heart pounding. He felt like a dark lamb forced into the den of predators. The sheer density of power in this room made his skin prickle, and yet his eyes were locked firmly on Lemon.
This man was a predator whose missions were yet unknown.
Tiken, the General who seemed to preside over the trial, leaned forward. His deep voice rolled across the chamber, cutting the silence like a blade.
"General Lemon," he said evenly, "your actions against a Player are unacceptable. Your role is guidance, not destruction. You know this."
