Damien shifted slightly in his seat, posture relaxed but eyes—curiously—tracking hers. For once, he wasn't cracking a joke or letting his attention drift. That surprised her more than she wanted to admit.
Isabelle pulled up a digital chart on the screen, the surface between them responding smoothly to her commands. A map unfolded in soft lines and deep hues—a topographical projection of the old Azaria Dominion. Borders lit in pale blue, cities marked with clean pins. Overlaid text began detailing its foundational timeline.
"We'll begin here," she said, voice even. "The Azaria Dominion. Established in the 14th cycle post-Union. Spanned five continental shelves by its peak."
She tapped to expand the sidebar. It revealed a timeline: Founding | Golden Rise | Fracture War | Collapse.
Damien leaned forward, a faint crease appearing on his brow. "I remember this part. But only vaguely. It collapsed from… overextension, right?"
