The Great Assembly Hall was a sight to behold—a cavernous chamber carved from obsidian, with jagged pillars stretching toward a vaulted ceiling adorned with eerie, glowing sigils. The air was heavy with an oppressive energy, a reminder of the power and authority of the Demon Council. Elara struggled to keep her expression neutral as she stood beside Arkanis, her hood pulled low to conceal her identity.
The council members were already seated on their towering thrones, their forms shrouded in shadows. Each one radiated an aura of malevolence, their golden eyes piercing through the gloom. At the center sat Malgrath, the High Demon Lord, his presence suffocating in its intensity.
"You dare bring a guest to the assembly, Arkanis?" Malgrath's voice boomed, each word reverberating through the hall.
Arkanis inclined his head respectfully, though his voice remained steady as he replied. "My guest is here to observe, nothing more."
"Observe?" another council member hissed, their tone dripping with disdain. "This is not a spectacle for outsiders."
"She is no ordinary outsider," Arkanis said calmly, gesturing to Elara. "She is a scholar from the northern realms, here to learn about the ways of the demon lords."
Elara fought the urge to flinch as the council's gaze fell on her. She had agreed to Arkanis' plan, but standing before the most powerful demons in existence was more intimidating than she'd anticipated. Still, she kept her posture straight and her expression composed.
Malgrath narrowed his eyes. "A scholar, you say? Then perhaps she can explain why your realm has shown...irregularities in its performance."
Arkanis didn't falter. "Irregularities? My realm thrives under my rule. The humans are kept in check, the balance remains intact."
"Do not lie to us," Malgrath growled, leaning forward. "Your essence grows weaker. We can feel it. You are not fulfilling your duties as a demon lord."
Elara's heart raced as the tension in the room thickened. Arkanis had told her this might happen, but facing the council's suspicions head-on was far more dangerous than she'd anticipated.
"The essence flows as it should," Arkanis said, his voice firm. "My methods may differ from those of my predecessors, but I assure you, the results speak for themselves."
The council erupted into murmurs, their voices low and menacing. Malgrath raised a hand, silencing them.
"We shall see," he said coldly. "But know this, Arkanis: if your methods threaten the balance, you will face consequences."
Arkanis bowed slightly, his expression unreadable. "I understand."
As the meeting continued, Elara couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking a fine line. The council was suspicious, and any misstep could unravel everything they were working toward.