"Do you think what happened during the pre-war meeting won't have a major impact on the war, my Lord?" asked the imp, his trembling voice betraying a fear he was desperately trying to hide.
Sevirea burst out laughing, a dark and deep laugh that echoed through the empty hall, filling the air with palpable tension. Even the motionless statues seemed absorbed by the grim sound.
"Little creature," he said, tilting his head slightly, a cold smile on his lips, "the fight over there was no mere distraction. It was a carefully orchestrated spectacle. The Manticore used that battle to assert his authority. Everyone present, you included, was forced to acknowledge it."
"But... it seemed like just a confrontation between subordinates," the imp stammered, his voice hesitant.
