Kiaria's gaze remained fixed.
None of those below dared to lift their heads.
Yet Kiaria was not merely staring.
Within the Eyes of Insight the world before him drained of color, collapsing into monochrome shades. In that stripped vision, figures stood as outlines of light and shadow–and within them, evil revealed itself in diversity.
Some carried faint stains, diluted and hesitant.
Others were soaked in dense, oily blackness, coiled deep within their cores.
Kiaria observed calmly, measuring depth, density, intent.
Silence stretched for more.
Sweat slid down the backs of Shu Elders and took shape of fear. Imagination filled the gaps left by his stillness.
Finally, members of the Shu Fire branch returned, bowing hastily.
"The chamber is ready," they reported.
Kiaria noticed everything–the tremor in their voices, the fractured rhythm of their breathing, the way their gazes avoided his.
That was the purpose.
