The expedition had been gone for three months. The Ninth Tower stood empty save for the skeletal administrative staff that maintained communications with the Eight Domains. In the Council Chamber, dust gathered on the ornate chairs where domain representatives once argued about the future of their fragile union.
Lania, Reed's former lieutenant and now Acting Custodian of the Ninth Tower, stood at the massive arched window overlooking the sprawling city. Her reflection in the glass revealed the web-like scars that mapped her face—remnants of her encounter with an Unmaker's servant five years ago. The silver filaments embedded in her flesh occasionally pulsed with a soft blue light that matched the rhythm of her heartbeat.
"Any word?" she asked without turning.
