The morning mist over the northern training grounds of the Varas central estate tasted faintly of salt and crushed iron.
Several inanimate figures stood unmoving in the sweeping, sun bleached courtyard.
The courtyard itself was surrounded by tall basalt pillars that had been etched with ancient symbols of power.
High above, red banners fluttered against the l coastal wind, bearing the crest of the Varas bloodline alongside the emblem of the Council.
Nadia Varas leaned against the stone railing of the observation terrace, a half empty mug of dark coffee resting on the ledger beside her.
She wore a fitted black leather jacket over dark designer jeans, a black baseball cap pulled low over her blonde hair.
Her silver grey eyes squinted slightly against the sun's glare, tracking a flock of coastal birds slowly circling in the sky.
She's late," Nadia murmured, taking a sip from her mug. "And by ten minutes at that..."
