The summit was held in a great hall carved into the heart of the mountains.
William had never seen anything like it. The walls were smooth, polished stone, covered in ancient carvings that told the story of the old empire. The ceiling was lost in shadow, supported by massive pillars that seemed to grow from the floor. Torches burned in iron sconces, casting flickering light across the faces of the gathered representatives.
The Shadow Council sat on one side of the hall. There were twelve of them, their faces hidden behind silver masks, their robes black as night. Seraphina sat at the center, her ancient eyes fixed on William.
The free communities sat on the other side. Representatives from Veridias, the eastern valleys, the mountain villages. Greer sat with them, her scarred face calm.
