Morning sunlight filtered through the towering stained-glass windows of Regina Council Hall, scattering fractured colors across polished marble floors that had witnessed centuries of victories, betrayals, and political battles. The beauty of the chamber usually inspired pride among those who entered it, yet Alessandro De Luca felt nothing except a growing sense of irritation as he walked toward the circular council platform where the Elders had gathered far earlier than protocol required.
The silence waiting for him was deliberate.
So was the judgment.
Every Elder seated around the chamber watched his approach with expressions carefully crafted into masks of dignity, though years of leadership had taught Alessandro how to recognize hostility hidden beneath courtesy.
At the center sat Elder Matteo Ricci.
