The wind at the peak of the Spire did not howl.
It pressed.
Heavy. Intelligent. Ancient.
Ethan stood at the center of the crystal platform, frostfire coiling in a controlled spiral around his body. Below, the staircase dissolved back into mist. There would be no easy retreat.
Above him—
Eighteen dragons circled.
Massive wings eclipsed the sun.
Golden.
Silver.
Onyx.
Crimson.
Storm-blue.
Each presence carried centuries of authority.
Each gaze carried judgment.
The System pulsed in the corner of his vision.
[Dragon Council Trial — Phase Two]
[Objective: Demonstrate Sovereign Authority]
[Failure Condition: Submission or Collapse]
[Success Condition: Council Recognition ≥ 60%]
Lysarra stood on his left, regal and composed, frost drifting from her bare shoulders like living silk.
Kaelith stood on his right, dark flames licking upward in lazy spirals, though her eyes were sharp.
Ronan remained several paces behind, silent, blade resting at his side.
