CHAPTER 35: RISING STORM

Scene 1: The Council of Dawn

The morning sun streamed through the high windows of the ancient temple, where Mira, Kael, and Ethan sat with Lysandra and the other restored warriors. Maps and scrolls covered the large stone table between them, showing the realm's current political territory.

"The Order of the Void has spread far," Lysandra said, pointing to red marks on the map. "They have agents in every major city, especially in positions of power."

The elderly scholar, who had introduced himself as Master Thane, agreed gravely. "They work through fear and manipulation. Many who serve them don't even know their true masters."

Mira studied the map carefully. "How do we expose them without causing panic? The realm is already unstable."

"We start small," Kael suggested, leaning forward. "Find proof of their corruption in one city, then use that to uncover more."