The capital of the empire was a city of contrasts, a sprawling maze where opulence and squalor coexisted. Noble districts with gleaming mansions sprawled on the high ground, their wide boulevards lined with ancient trees.
Below, the narrow streets of the common quarters buzzed with life, filled with merchants shouting their wares, street performers entertaining small crowds, and the clatter of carriages on cobblestones.
One such mansion, nestled in the noble district, was a symbol of indulgence and luxury. It belonged to a prominent noble family but was currently being used for a private gathering that was anything but formal.
The mansion's grand facade gleamed in the moonlight, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and gilded accents. Within, the sounds of laughter, music, and muted whispers filled the air.