[The Ancestral Hall—Silthara Palace—Mid Afternoon]
Golden light streamed through the carved lattice windows, staining the obsidian floor in patterned amber and shadow. The Ancestral Hall breathed quiet reverence—incense drifting lazily between pillars etched with the coiled histories of serpent kings long turned to dust.
Naburash stood before Levin, head bowed, veil cascading like a silver river down his shoulders.
In his hands lay a tightly bound scroll.
"I have prepared the summary, Malika," he said softly, extending it with both hands. "If you study this before tomorrow's council… you will stand prepared before the elders."
Levin accepted it carefully.
"Thank you, Naburash," he replied with a small, genuine smile. "I truly appreciate your help. I will go through it tonight."
Naburash inclined his head, though he did not raise his gaze.
Levin unfurled the scroll and began scanning the lines—trade routes, council hierarchies, noble alliances, and military ranks.
