The Royal Palace of Aetheria rose like a spire of alabaster and gold against the darkening sky, its ancient wards glimmering with renewed intensity. Reed gazed upon the imposing structure from the back of his midnight steed, whose hooves left smoldering imprints on the cobblestone path. The royal summons had arrived less than eight hours after the confrontation with the transformed Lianna—a crystalline message sphere delivered by a royal courier whose hands trembled as he approached Reed's domain.
Emergency Council of Lords. Immediate attendance required. By decree of King Thalius IV.
Reed had known the crown would eventually respond to the crisis, but he hadn't expected it so soon. Intelligence from his remaining scouts suggested that news of the Hero transformations had been ruthlessly suppressed across several domains. Someone at court had ears in places even Reed's network couldn't reach.
