{"We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our people"}
One day later, we assembled at the Royal army base beneath the central citadel deep within the heart of the Paradise Coven. The air was still and sharp with incense. Smoke coiled from silver braziers positioned in a circle around the open stone courtyard. Moonlight streamed through the high archways, pale and solemn, casting long shadows across armor and ash.
General. Commanders. Enforcers. Every rank of the Royal Guard stood in precise formation, lined row by row, the obsidian and crimson of their uniforms gleaming like bloodstone. I stood on the raised dais at the head of the circle, robes flowing in midnight blue, the ceremonial crown braided into my hair like a crown of starlight. Beside me, Nessa moved with deliberate grace, her robes quieter in colour but no less commanding. She kept her hands clasped, eyes scanning the assembled guard with a scrutiny sharper than a blade.
