The Southern Imperial Palace in the heart of Ironhaven was a monolithic structure of black granite and cold marble, a brutalist monument to Emperor Adonis's consolidated power. It lacked the intricate beauty of the old Imperial seats; it was designed only for intimidation and efficiency.
In her private chambers, General Morana, Commander of the Southern Region, sat at a desk crafted from a single slab of obsidian. The chamber was minimalist, featuring only a weapons rack, a map table, and a brazier whose flames cast long, unsettling shadows across the room.
Morana was, at 35 years old, a striking figure. She possessed a severe, almost regal beauty—sharp cheekbones, pale skin, and long, straight black hair that fell to her waist. She wore tailored, deep crimson armor over a simple leather
