The throne room of the Land of Shadows feels colder than the air outside.
Blue flames along the walls burn steadily, yet their dim light only makes the shadows of the stone pillars stretch longer.
Aurelia stands in the center of the hall.
Before her, three men known as the Shadow Kings sit on large chairs made of black stone.
They do not look like typical kings.
No crowns.
No royal robes.
Yet their aura is enough to make any Alpha feel small.
The black-haired man who spoke earlier crosses his legs casually in his seat.
His eyes are dark red, like embers nearly extinguished.
He stares at Aurelia with a faint smile.
"Introducing oneself is a form of courtesy often forgotten in places like this."
He taps the back of his chair lightly.
"I am Kael."
He points to the silver-haired man beside him.
"That one is Orion."
The silver-haired man merely gives a small nod.
His gaze remains as sharp as a freshly honed blade.
Kael then points to the large man on the other side.
