Meanwhile, deep within the Dominion's headquarters, Ress sat casually in a chair at a long, intimidatingly grand table. Around him, the eight other members of the Dominion Council were gathered, each exuding an aura of power and authority.
The room was vast, with high ceilings and walls lined with intricate carvings that seemed to shimmer faintly with magic. The central table was illuminated by a soft, white light, casting the council members' faces in sharp relief.
One of the council members, an older man with sharp features and an air of strictness, slammed his hand on the table. "Ress, this is unacceptable!"
Ress yawned, stretching his arms behind his head. "What is? You'll have to be more specific, Marcus. There are so many things I do that annoy you."
Marcus's face reddened, but another council member—a woman with piercing green eyes and a calm demeanor—interjected. "He's talking about the boy. The one you allowed to rampage unchecked before we detained him."
Ress waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, Fren? He's harmless... most of the time. Besides, I stopped him before anything really bad happened."
"Harmless?" another council member hissed, their voice cold and sharp. "The boy obliterated a ghoulom in one strike while under the influence of... something. And you call that harmless?"
Ress leaned forward, his playful demeanor vanishing for a moment. "He's a kid who doesn't even know what a Stigma is, let alone how to control one. Whatever happened wasn't his fault."
The room fell silent, the council members exchanging uncertain glances.
The woman with green eyes spoke again, her tone measured. "And what of the voice he claims to have heard? A voice tied to this... incident?"
Ress smirked, leaning back again. "Now that's the interesting part, isn't it? But don't worry your heads about it. I've got it under control."
Marcus scowled. "This isn't a game, Ress. That boy could be a threat—not just to us, but to the world."
"Or," Ress countered, his tone light but his eyes sharp, "he could be exactly what we need. Ever think about that, Marcus?"
The tension in the room was palpable as Ress's words hung in the air. Finally, the Grand Arbiter, seated at the head of the table, raised a hand.
"That's enough," the Arbiter said, their voice calm but commanding. "We will keep an eye on the boy. Ress, he is your responsibility. Ensure that this... incident does not happen again."
Ress gave a mock salute. "Yes, boss."
The Arbiter's gaze lingered on Ress for a moment before shifting to the rest of the council. "This meeting is adjourned."
As the council members began to leave, Marcus muttered under his breath, "This will come back to haunt us, I know it."
Ress, still seated, grinned to himself. "Oh, Marcus... you worry too much."
To be continue...