The Seed of Treason

The news of the Utopian King's fall had spread swiftly through Sancta Vedelia, and with it came an urgent summons. A meeting was hastily convened in Central Vedelia, calling upon all the Heads of the great houses. 

Most had answered. A few had not. But those present held enough influence to decide what came next. 

Seated around a grand circular table of polished glass were Reiner Dolphis, Namys Elaryon, Jefer Moonfang, Evan Indi Zestella, and Duncan Tepes. Among them sat Alector, one of Sancta Vedelia's prominent figures, though not a Head himself. And at the table's edge, observing was Claudia Tepes, the Prophetess. 

Three Heads remained absent—the leaders of Teraquin, Olphean, and Raven.

Despite their win, there was a lingering tension. Glances were filled with unspoken accusations and lingering resentment. Some of it was exhaustion from the war, but most of it ran deeper than that. 

Reiner Dolphis, in particular, was brimming with fury.