The World Tree continued to blaze, its unnatural flames illuminating the city of Lunathiel with an eerie crimson glow.
Beneath the enormous tree stood several figures, all of them distinguished individuals within the elven kingdom.
Among them was an elderly elf with blonde hair and slightly wrinkled skin. His piercing blue eyes remained fixed on the burning World Tree, while his hands were clenched tightly into fists.
His name was Caelthas Sylvaine, the First Elder of the Royal Council and a senior member of the royal family. He was also the uncle of the current queen, Aelyssa Sylvaine.
Caelthas possessed an Astral Core at its High Stage, which was the limit of his potential. Unlike his late brother, the former king, and his niece Aelyssa, both of whom possessed the potential to reach the Sovereign Core, he had never been destined to ascend to that level.
