Chapter 53 — Trials of Loyalty
The Obsidian Throne room felt smaller with every passing day.
What should have been a hall of victory had become a den of knives and watchful eyes. Three days after the expedition to the rift, Cairis convened another full court session. The air was thick with suspicion. Reports of Celestial scouts had spread like wildfire, and every faction was using the news to advance their own agendas.
Grimgor Ashreaver stood at the center of the floor like a mountain of scarred muscle and barely contained rage. His Bloodbound Traditionalists formed a solid bloc behind him, axes and ritual blades prominently displayed.
"My King," Grimgor's voice boomed through the chamber, "we have tolerated the witch's presence long enough. She carries celestial filth. She attracts the Host's spies like flies to rotting meat. If she is truly worthy of standing beside the Obsidian Throne, then let her prove it the old way."
