The chamber emptied in a flurry of billowing robes and blustering curses as the Matriarchs stormed out for a recess. Quietly, after giving Vixen a pity look, the remaining four Matriachs lifted for the door also, but not without Lady Serena fixing Vixen with a pointed look that said, "Told ya this shit ain't gonna be easy, piccolina."
Vixen scowled, stalking around the now-vacant council chamber to burn off her frustration. Despite the raging inferno brewing in her gut, she couldn't deny the room exuded a solemn, almost sacred grandeur.
Thick crimson drapes the hue of freshly spilled arterial blood cloaked the vaulted windows, pooling decadently onto the glossy parquet. An ornate gilt mirror dominated one wall, angled to catch the dance of candlelight flickering atop the marble mantelpiece's intricate carvings.
