Unknown POV
Far from the safety of the McKinnley estate, buried deep beneath the roots of mountains older than the human world itself, an ancient citadel throbbed with dark power. Its walls, carved from stone pulled from the void between realms, pulsed faintly — as if the fortress were alive. As if it breathed.
No mortal eye had ever found this place.
No light had ever reached it.
Inside, the heart of the citadel glowed with a sickly, shadowed fire.
Seven thrones encircled the chamber, each carved from obsidian so black it swallowed the torchlight whole. Upon these thrones sat the Dark Council — the most feared force in the supernatural world. Shrouded in cloaks that writhed like smoke, their faces were hidden even from each other.
Only their power was unmistakable.
Raw.
Ancient.
