[Silthara Palace—Ancestral Hall—Continuation]
The lamplight flickered like a breathing flame, casting wavering shadows over the unfurled scroll. Levin leaned closer, veil glimmering faintly, eyes soaking in every carved sigil and rune.
Naburash straightened, his voice lowering into that deep ceremonial cadence reserved only for ancient truths.
"Before we begin with House Karzath, Malika…you must first understand—Zahryssar stands upon four pillars."
Levin's eyes dropped to the scroll. A long serpent stretched across the parchment, its body split into four segments—each bearing the crest of a Great House.
He traced them one by one, breath steady, but heart tightening.
The First Pillar—House Karzath
A twin-fanged serpent, jaws gripping a scroll. Its runes shimmered like fresh blood beneath the flame.
Naburash's voice deepened.
"House Karzath has, since the First Age, been blessed by the Twins of Judgement. Thus their crest bears two fangs—one for Truth, one for Punishment."
