The central hall of Elena's fortress gleamed with polished stone and crystal light. The fog outside shrouded Noxveil in mystery, leaving only her kingdom alive and vibrant. Today, the rulers of the six kingdoms and her personal knights had gathered for the first council. It was a meeting meant to display unity—but also to remind everyone who held ultimate power.
Elena sat at the head of the long table, silver eyes cold and calculating, her dark hair falling like a shadow across her shoulders. The rulers stood in respect, all waiting for her voice to break the silence.
First was the human ruler: a saintly figure, six wings folded elegantly behind her back. She covered her golden eyes with a delicate veil, radiating serenity and grace. Yet even in that calm, Elena could feel a quiet tension—an instinctive wariness of the dark elf queen before her.
Next, the orc ruler: a massive male, muscles coiled like iron cables beneath dark green skin. His fists tapped the table with a steady rhythm, the faint crackle of fire magic simmering at his fingertips. Even he, a being built for war, lowered his head in acknowledgment of Elena's presence.
The elven ruler was a female, regal and poised, her eyes reflecting the sky. Silver hair trailed behind her as she bowed, elemental control of thunder sparking faintly in her aura—a storm waiting to strike.
The dark elf ruler, old and wise, leaned on a carved ebony staff. His skin was almost obsidian, eyes gleaming with ancient knowledge, dark magic coiling subtly around him. He had seen kingdoms rise and fall, yet Elena's presence drew something primal from him—a recognition of power that rivaled his own.
From the wildlands came the beastfolk rulers: a tiger with amber eyes and a snake coiled around her arm. The tiger's claws glinted faintly, controlling the element of earth, while the snake hissed softly, controlling water, both moving fluidly, their instincts attuned to Elena's presence.
The merfolk ruler surfaced near the edge of the table, fins glinting with magic, his form rippling with control over water. Silent, calm, and precise, he studied Elena, as if measuring how much chaos she would bring to the valley.
Finally, Elena's personal knights entered: all female, clad in black and silver armor, each radiating mastery of a different element. Fire, thunder, earth, water, light, sound, and dark—they bowed before her, an unspoken promise of loyalty and power. They were extensions of her will, her shadow army, her living symbols of dominance.
Elena stood, her voice ringing through the hall like silver bells striking steel.
"Rulers of Noxveil," she said, each word deliberate, heavy with command. "Today, we meet not as strangers or equals, but as the foundation of a kingdom that will endure beyond time. Each of you rules your lands under my guidance, your power amplified by my vision, your people protected by my hand. Fail in your duty, and I will remind you why Noxveil answers to no one but me."
A shiver ran through the hall, but no one dared interrupt.
"Humans," Elena continued, nodding to the saintly ruler, "your grace and wisdom will guide morality and faith, keeping your people virtuous and strong."
"Orcs," she said, turning to the massive warrior, "your strength and fire will defend our borders and ensure loyalty through power."
"Elves and dark elves," she said, eyes narrowing slightly, "your precision, wisdom, and ancient knowledge will maintain strategy, diplomacy, and magic, keeping all kingdoms in balance."
"Beastfolk and merfolk," she said, acknowledging their unique forms, "your instincts, adaptability, and control over nature will ensure the valley thrives in harmony with all life."
She gestured to her personal knights. "And these," she said, voice dripping authority, "are extensions of me. Masters of elements beyond imagination. Obedience, skill, and loyalty—they answer to no one but me. Remember this well."
Elena's silver eyes swept the council.