Maelona, Liora, Aria, and Kaelen stood before Aether, who was seated upon the grand, imposing throne of the Aerionis Zephyra Empire.
Why was he sitting on that throne?
Because, in every sense, he had earned the right to sit there!!
Aether rested his chin on his right knuckles, his arm draped over the armrest, exuding a calm yet unnerving authority. His eyes, cold and unreadable, scanned the group before him, lingering until they found Kaelen.
Under the weight of that unwavering stare, Kaelen's breath hitched, his body instinctively flinching.
"Tell me... What did we plan initially?" Aether's voice was soft yet carried an edge, the indifference only making it more intimidating.
"Our plan was—" Maelona began, stepping forward instinctively.
Aether's hand lifted in a commanding gesture, silencing her, "I asked Kaelen Darkfang"
