In the capital city of Velmoria.
The throne room of the royal palace was lit in amber firelight, shadows stretching tall across the marble pillars. Velvet banners swayed above as if restless, the weight of silence pressing heavily.
Velric sat on the throne—not because he wanted to, but because he had to. The crown sat crooked on his head, his posture stiff, eyes flicking constantly toward the three figures standing to his side.
Selena, calm as the moon reflected in dark water, stood in her regal black gown, shadowy devourer-creatures flickering lazily in the depths at her feet like phantom hounds waiting for her call.
Beside her, Graye shifted impatiently in her sleek violet-trimmed armor, curves shining under the torchlight as if the metal was designed to taunt the court itself.
She balanced a very unimpressed Nibbles in one hand like he was some divine relic, his bushy tail twitching irritably.
Velric swallowed hard.
