War Council of Dragonia.
The atmosphere was thick with the scent of burning incense and the humming vibration of the massive holographic map that dominated the center of the chamber.
Adonis Kingsbane stood at the head of the table, his fingers tracing the jagged coastlines of the Western Continent. To his left, Rai stood like a statue of obsidian, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. To his right, Sapphira and Mariana watched the shifting colors of the map with the predatory grace of lionesses watching a herd.
"The world is too quiet," Adonis murmured, his violet eyes reflecting the golden light of the remaining independent kingdoms. "Vexa, are the arrays synchronized? I don't want a single village to miss my announcement."
