Chapter 184: Imperial Council

The gentle hues of dawn painted the horizon, casting Telarion's skyline in a soft glow. As Caden stepped onto the balcony, the brisk morning air greeted him, carrying the faint sounds of the waking city below. Skyscrapers stood tall, reflecting the first light of day, and the distant hum of vehicles signaled the beginning of another bustling day at the heart of the Imperium.

Caden leaned against the balcony railing, feeling the cold metal against his hands. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill his lungs. With each exhale, he tried to release the tension, anticipation, and responsibilities that weighed on him. The serenity of the morning offered a momentary reprieve from the complexity of his new role.