The high sanctuary of the Great Cathedral of the Blackwood stood bathed in mid-morning sunlight, light streaming through towering stained-glass arches that stretched eighty feet above the polished obsidian floor.
Every row of carved walnut pews was filled to capacity. Lord commanders, regional governors, high clan chiefs, and visiting dignitaries from across the five territories sat in immaculate silence, their velvet capes and heavy fur mantles whispering softly in the quiet air.
At the center of the grand nave, a broad carpet of deep crimson lined in woven silver led directly to the marble high altar.
I stood at the foot of the altar, clad in a floor-length gown of midnight-blue velvet that flowed around my boots like liquid shadow.
The high collar was stiffened with silver thread,
