Damien studied the silent female closely. She stood utterly still, pale silver hair cascading like liquid moonlight down her back, contrasting sharply with her deep ebony skin. Her presence was eerily tranquil, yet unmistakably dangerous.
The very air around her seemed darker, heavier, filled with suppressed menace.
He turned slowly back to Lyrisa. "What's stopping the other houses from joining together to challenge them?"
Lyrisa shook her head slowly, her voice holding a subtle tension. "Politics and fear, Damien. Our allegiance to the Darkness Sovereign shapes everything, our culture, our hierarchy, our ambitions. Every drow house desperately strives to curry favor with the Sovereign.
We serve, and we are rewarded according to our contributions. House Umbra holds the highest favor precisely because they have provided unmatched service and sacrifices to the Darkness Sovereign over generations."
Damien's brows furrowed slightly. "Sacrifices?"
