The library was quiet, save for the soft scratch of Thalia's quill as she jotted down notes. Surrounding her were open books and scrolls, each detailing the history and hierarchy of the six ruling families. Her curiosity had been piqued after discovering the precarious state of the Astoria family. If she was going to save the estate, she needed to understand the broader world and the players within it.
Thalia flipped a page in a thick leather-bound tome titled The Six Pillars of Dominion. A detailed section outlined the six families, their ranks, and their powers.
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The Families by Rank and Power
1. Acantha
Power: Shadow manipulation.
Specialty: Information guild, multiple businesses, and a vast military network.
Current Head: Zayan Acantha, 30 years old.
Zayan's name appeared in every book Thalia read about power and influence. He wasn't just the head of the most powerful family; he was a strategist and a businessman, controlling both the shadows and the flow of information. Rumor had it that nothing in the world happened without Zayan knowing about it first.
2. Sasaki
Power: Invisibility and unparalleled strategy.
Specialty: Tactical leadership and advisory roles.
Current Head: Yuto Sasaki, 30 years old.
Known for their strategic brilliance, the Sasaki family was often behind many of the ruling families' major decisions. Yuto, the enigmatic head of the family, was said to be as invisible in influence as he was in battle, pulling strings no one could see.
3. Leighton
Power: Super strength.
Specialty: Weapon manufacturing and military equipment.
Current Head: Blaise Leighton, 26 years old.
Blaise was as fiery as her family's reputation. The Leighton family dominated the weaponry trade, supplying arms to kingdoms and warriors alike. Their strength wasn't just physical—it was deeply rooted in their business acumen and military connections.
4. Wilder
Power: Super speed.
Specialty: Medicine and herb cultivation.
Current Head: Alexander Wilder, 28 years old.
The Wilder family was a pillar of healing and innovation. Alexander's super speed was symbolic of the family's relentless drive to advance medicine and agriculture. Their lands were rich with rare herbs, many of which were key ingredients in life-saving remedies.
5. Charis
Power: Wind manipulation.
Specialty: Fashion and boutiques.
Current Head: Collet Charis, 57 years old.
The Charis family was unique in their approach to power, blending their wind abilities with their fashion empire. Collet's keen eye for trends had made the Charis boutiques the most sought-after in the kingdom. Her family's influence spanned cultural and economic spheres, bringing both elegance and innovation to their domain.
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As Thalia read, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. These families wielded power and influence in ways the Astoria family hadn't been able to in decades. Their abilities were not just tools—they were extensions of their dominance in the world.
She leaned back in her chair, staring at the dusty ceiling. The Astoria family had once held a respectable position, their fire manipulation commanding awe and respect. Now, they were a shadow of their former selves, clinging to a reputation that no longer existed.
With a sigh, Thalia closed the book. "We may be at the bottom," she murmured to herself, "but it doesn't mean we have to stay there."
Before she could reach for another volume, a sharp knock at the door pulled her attention.
"Lady Thalia," a maid called softly from the hallway, "a guest has arrived."
Thalia frowned. It wasn't often that the Astoria estate received visitors. "Who is it?"
" Its lady Collet Charis my lady, Lady Elira has requested your presence in the drawing room."
Thalia set her quill down, her mind racing. While she walked to the drawing room