The Gathering of the Eternal Council
The moment Aiden entered the city, figures materialized before him.
A group of twelve beings, each more imposing than the last, appeared in a perfect semi-circle around him.
Their presence was absolute.
Powerful.
Not oppressive, not hostile—but undeniable.
One of them stepped forward.
This being was different.
It was taller, cloaked in flowing threads of midnight and starlight. Its face remained obscured, but its presence was so overwhelming that Aiden immediately knew—this one was important.
And when it spoke, its voice was layered, as if a thousand beings spoke in unison.
"You are not the one we expected."
Aiden grinned.
"Yeah? Well, I wasn't expecting this either."
The figure tilted its head.
"Tell us, outsider—"
"By what right do you stand here?"
Aiden rolled his shoulders, his golden aura flickering around him.
"By my own."
