The border between the Yucatan Empire and the Sovereign States of Arcania had become a simmering cauldron of tension and bloodshed. For over six months, conflict had raged between the forces of these two powerful nations, ignited by the discovery of a vast arcane stone mine straddling their frontier. The situation had escalated when the Yucatan Empire dispatched its combat sorcerers to secure control over the mine. Not to be outdone, the Sovereign States of Arcania (SSA) responded in kind, deploying their own magical battalions, leading to cataclysmic clashes that ravaged the borderlands and claimed numerous lives.
In a bid to quell the ongoing strife, the International Sorcerous Association, under immense pressure from the global public, implored the intervention of the 'Supreme Council of Sorcerous Sovereigns.' This independent authority, wielding considerable power both nationally and globally, was established in ancient times by the foremost sorcerers and is headquartered in the Sovereign States of Arcania.
Comprising seven paramount leaders, this council influences key decisions and policies affecting the continuity of the magical era worldwide. Among these families, the Shadowbane family has maintained a seat since the council's inception. Celestia Shadowbane, the current Matriarch, has presided over the council's highest echelons for several years.
In a luxuriously appointed tent, equipped with the latest amenities, a silver-haired woman conversed animatedly over the phone. Her ruby-red eyes sparkled vibrantly at the news she had long awaited.
"What?! Lucius is back!" The woman leapt from her seat, her exclamation echoing through the speaker and startling her conversational partner.
Meanwhile, Celestia, reclining comfortably with Lucius resting on her lap, frowned slightly at the loud voice emanating from her phone. "Shh—Isolde, lower your voice. Lucius is sleeping on mama's lap," she whispered gently, mindful not to disturb Lucius.
"Okay, mama," Isolde replied softly, her tone modulating to a gentle murmur. After a brief conversation, Isolde excused herself, eager to complete her work and return home to her cherished younger brother.
Outside the tent, the sound of footsteps approached. Without ceremony, two figures entered, offering respectful greetings. A tall woman with a Korean bob of fiery red hair bowed and delivered her report:
"Young mistress, all troops are prepared to depart for the battlefield."
"Do you intend to lead them yourself, young mistress?" inquired the other woman, her long black hair and sapphire-blue eyes marking her distinctively. These two were Isolde's trusted aides and loyal companions.
Seraphina Emberstone, the red-haired woman, bore an expression of resolute beauty. Her muscular yet proportionate figure was complemented by radiant fair skin, long lashes, and golden eyes. Standing at 6 feet 2.8 inches, she was the seventh tallest in the Shadowbane family, her physique impeccably proportioned with a bust size of 34DD.
Beside her stood Melinda Frostbane, the transcendent ice sorceress, renowned for her mastery over ice magic at the molecular level. Unlike Seraphina, Melinda hailed from an ancient sorcerer family, once equal to the Shadowbanes, but annexed due to unfortunate circumstances.
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, Melinda possessed a strikingly beautiful and lethal physique, her form reminiscent of a Spanish guitar. Her alabaster skin was flawless, her face endearingly pretty, yet her demeanor remained aloof and unapproachable. Her 34DDD bust surpassed even Seraphina's, adding to her allure.
Both women wore tactically elegant combat attire, complemented by special black long coats with multifunctional enhancements. Seraphina carried a silver rapier with ornate gold engravings at her left side, while Melinda bore no visible weapons or accessories.
Rising gracefully from her seat, Isolde smiled warmly and spoke with gentle authority:
"Sera, Meli, we will resolve this matter swiftly and decisively. Instruct all troops to remain vigilant and to employ measured force against any resistance."
Her expression turned dark and menacing as she stressed her final point.
Recognizing their young mistress's seriousness, both Seraphina and Melinda responded with utmost respect before departing to brief the troops further.
In the privacy of her changing room, Isolde shed her polka-dot pajamas with a soft, fluid motion, stepping toward the mirror. She scrutinized her reflection, clad only in black lace lingerie. Her cheeks flushed, heart raced, and body temperature soared as thoughts of her handsome brother, Lucius, filled her mind.
Smiling sweetly at her reflection, Isolde murmured sensually, "Lucius, wait for your sister. We'll share a beautiful time together." Her voice quivered with anticipation and delight, her eyes clouded with an intense, unusual obsession.
The world would be shocked to see the revered beauty they idolized wearing such an expression of longing.
Isolde Shadowbane, the second daughter of the Shadowbane Matriarch, was famed for her divine beauty, admired from afar by countless admirers. Not only men but women of all ages fell under her deadly charm.
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, her figure was a paragon of elegance, akin to an antique hourglass. Her silver hair was silky and shoulder-length, her ruby-red eyes a mesmerizing blend of fresh blood. Her silver lashes enhanced her divine allure, her nose perfectly proportioned to her slightly petite face, embodying the true golden ratio from every angle.
Her bust stood firm and proud at 36DDD, her waist slender, hips taut, and her backside full and shapely. Her legs were long and ideally composed, her skin as white as snow, without blemish, akin to a precious, meticulously cared-for gem.
Isolde possessed a larger bone structure than most women, with a longer torso than average. Despite her tall, seemingly large presence, her body remained impeccably proportioned, supported by ideal features.
Isolde donned her attire piece by piece, beginning with a fitted white long-sleeved shirt and black suit jacket, followed by formal black trousers, and finally, a black long coat that cloaked her entire form from shoulder to toe.
After tidying her hair, Isolde picked up a magical artifact to obscure her true visage from others' sight and perception.
"I suppose it's time to resolve this issue," she murmured with a serious glint in her eyes.
As she exited, she reached for a katana with a silver scabbard reminiscent of moonlight, attaching it to her left hip.
Stepping out of the tent, the blazing midday sun at the border illuminated her snow-white skin.
"Young mistress, all troops are at the ready," Seraphina reported softly, hurrying to Isolde's side.
Nodding in satisfaction, Isolde patted Seraphina's shoulder and approached the leadership platform, where Melinda awaited, inviting her young mistress to deliver a brief speech.
Standing in the center, flanked by Melinda and Seraphina, Isolde addressed her troops:
"Shadowbane soldiers, you are aware that our mission today is relatively straightforward. We are here to mediate between two factions while securing a 40% stake in the new mine."
Her voice was soft yet firm as she explained their objectives.
No one took her words lightly; all stood erect, listening intently.
After a brief pause, Isolde continued:
"However, there is a slight change of plan. Typically, negotiations could take a week or more, but this time, we will conclude matters within a single day."
Her tone grew more serious.
"Is that clear, everyone?" she asked with spirited conviction.
"Absolutely, young mistress!" The Shadowbane troops responded in unison, their voices resonating with resolve.
Like Seraphina and Melinda, the entire Shadowbane force donned standard tactical combat attire with black long coats, though Seraphina and Melinda bore gold shoulder badges and unique chest medals.
Concluding her address, Isolde descended, followed by her direct subordinates.
The Shadowbane troops divided into four divisions of fifty, each with capable magical prowess in their respective fields, led by a captain and vice-captain.
Boarding numerous military-grade SUVs, they set off in convoy toward the negotiation site.
Half an hour later, they arrived at an open hilltop, where a large canopy had been erected. Under it stood numerous round tables and chairs, open on all four sides to the elements.
Alighting from her vehicle, Isolde was greeted by a bald, mustached man in military green, with a single-star rank insignia on his shoulders.
"I am Brigadier General Selbus, young mistress. Pleased to meet you," he stated neutrally, offering no handshake but a respectful nod.
"Thank you for the welcome. Let's proceed with the negotiations," Isolde replied evenly, acknowledging with a slight nod.
Seated at the rightmost chair, Isolde directed several Shadowbane soldiers to distribute proposal documents to the delegates from both sides.
"Please read the proposal carefully. I trust you will consider each point thoroughly," she advised, her tone firm and serious.
At her words, some delegates grew visibly uneasy, while others maintained their composure.
As they read, the delegates displayed a range of reactions. The Yucatan Empire's representatives, in particular, appeared visibly displeased, some clenching their fists in silent indignation.
They had clearly read that the arcane stone mine's ownership would be divided into three, with the Yucatan and Arcania each receiving 30%, and the Shadowbanes claiming the remaining 40%.
An elderly, muscular man with a cross-shaped scar on his left cheek erupted in furious protest, slamming the table as he stood:
"What is this outrage?"
His voice boomed, indifferent to potential repercussions.
The scarred elder glared at Isolde with fiery indignation, his expression a portrait of anger and frustration.
"Even as an envoy from 'The Supreme Council of Sorcerous Sovereigns,' we cannot accept such an inequitable division!"
He declared vehemently, rising from his chair, his ire unmasked.
Behind Isolde, Seraphina and Melinda prepared to unleash their magic in response to the outburst.
But before they could act, Isolde, with a flick of her wrist, extended her right hand like a pistol, aiming at the scarred elder.
A glimmering silver light emanated from the tip of her finger, streaking forward like a laser beam, targeting the right arm of the scar-faced old man. In the blink of an eye, his hand was severed, plummeting to the ground.
"Arrrghhhh!!!" The scarred old man screamed in agony, dropping to his knees as he clutched his wound, the raw pain etched across his face.
"Do not protest too much, insect," she intoned coldly, subjugating him with a disdainful gaze. The negotiation atmosphere shifted dramatically, underscoring the Shadowbane family's unwavering resolve to protect their interests.
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