The atmosphere was charged with tension as the quartet faced the imposing entrance to the Council chambers. They were surrounded by frigid, ancient stonework that seemed to stifle them beneath the burden of a history crafted through bloodshed and domination. The Council's territory exuded authority, its walls resonating with primordial magic—a domineering force designed to remind them that in this place, they stood vulnerable before their adversaries.
Samantha, however, maintained her composure, standing tall with squared shoulders. Her companions, by contrast, were visibly on edge.
Kai's teeth were gritted with such intensity they might crack stone, his golden-amber eyes glowing with barely suppressed fury. Marcus remained wordless at his side, though his fingers fidgeted restlessly, his hybrid instincts urging him to prepare for combat. Callum, ever the tactician, regarded Orion with narrowed violet eyes filled with distrust.