The circular chamber of the Republic High Command was a cathedral built for war. It was cold, immaculate, and deliberately designed so no voice ever rose louder than the polished marble beneath it.
There were twelve seats for twelve figures.
Twelve arbiters of the Republic's survival or decay.
The chamber door sealed behind the final member, locking with a hiss that echoed off the high ceiling. Holographic tactigraphs, that shimmered with a sign of an ability being used,hovered over the center table, projecting the latest situation report from Grim Hollow: the explosion, the food vault's destruction, the civilian panic, the subsequent audit, and the impending evacuation order issued by Captain Atheon.
For several seconds, no one spoke.
Then the Duke, lifted his gloved hand, as though brushing away dust.
Duke Veridan Corvayne.
