Ultimatum

The grand chamber of Aetron's Central Council Hall, typically bathed in shimmering light, now exuded a darker, more ominous aura. The four dissenting council members—Darius Veryon, Maelis Vorn, Ivor Caelis, and Selric Drayn—gathered in a private room just beyond the main hall. This wasn't a covert gathering in the shadows; it was a calculated step into the open. They were done hiding, done working in secret. It was time for a direct confrontation.

Darius Veryon, the leader of the group, stood at the head of the polished obsidian table. His tall frame was rigid with authority, his piercing gray eyes scanning the room as he spoke. "It's time we stop dancing around this issue," he began, his deep voice echoing in the enclosed space. "Arath Syn and Aether Lumenis have made their choice. They've forced our hand by keeping LUX active and hidden away. We cannot afford to wait any longer."

Selric Drayn, with his sharp-featured face and cold blue eyes and a perpetual smirk, leaned back in his chair. "I agree. Enough with the games. They've defied the council's warnings, ignored the risks, and endangered Aetron as a whole. We must make them understand the gravity of their actions."

Ivor Caelis frowned, his fingers drumming against the table. "And what, exactly, do you propose we do? Demand that they surrender LUX? Do you think they'll simply hand it over like obedient children?"

Maelis Vorn interjected, her voice calm but laced with steel. "They won't. Not without a fight. But this isn't about asking politely, is it, Darius?"

Darius nodded. "Precisely. We're not asking. We're giving them an ultimatum. Surrender LUX to the council, or face the full weight of our authority."

Selric's smirk widened. "And by 'full weight,' I assume you mean force."

Darius shot him a sharp look. "If it comes to that, yes. But we must start with diplomacy. Aetron cannot afford a civil war—not yet. We need to make them understand that resistance is futile."

"Diplomacy," Maelis scoffed lightly. "Do you really think Arath Syn or Aether Lumenis will respond to diplomacy? They're too blinded by their so-called vision of progress."

"They'll have no choice," Darius countered. "We'll make it clear that their defiance will bring ruin, not just to them, but to everyone they care about."

The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of his words sank in. Finally, Ivor spoke, his voice quieter but firm. "And if they refuse? If they're willing to risk everything for LUX?"

Darius's gaze hardened. "Then we will take it by force."

---

The meeting extended into the night, the council members meticulously planning their approach. By the time they finalized their strategy, the atmosphere in the room had grown even more charged.

Darius straightened his posture, his commanding presence filling the room. "We will summon Arath and Aether to a formal meeting tomorrow. It will be public, so there's no room for secrecy or denial. They will answer to the council."

"And if they refuse to show?" Maelis asked, her arms crossed.

"Then we escalate," Darius replied without hesitation. "But I have no doubt they'll come. Aether Lumenis may be stubborn, but he values his reputation too much to ignore a direct summons. And Arath—well, he's too arrogant to back down from a challenge."

Selric chuckled darkly. "This should be entertaining."

Maelis shot him a sharp glance. "This isn't a game, Selric. If we mishandle this, the consequences could be catastrophic."

"She's right," Ivor added, his tone unusually serious. "This isn't just about LUX anymore. It's about control. If we lose the public's trust, we lose everything."

Darius raised a hand, silencing them. "Enough. We all understand what's at stake. This is our chance to regain control of Aetron and ensure its future. Failure is not an option."

The council members exchanged nods, their expressions grim but resolute. The decision had been made.

---

The next day, the summons was issued. The announcement spread quickly across Aetron, sparking a wave of speculation and unease. The people knew that tensions had been simmering within the council for months, but this public confrontation signaled a turning point.

In the Lumenis residence, Aether and Arath read the summons together, their expressions dark.

"This is it," Arath said, his voice low. "They're making their move."

Aether's jaw tightened. "They're cornering us. But we're not handing over LUX."

Arath nodded. "Agreed. But we need to be prepared. They won't stop at words."

"Do you think they know?" Aether asked, his gaze sharp. "About Kael?"

Arath hesitated. "It's possible. But they don't have proof. Not yet."

Aether exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. "This is a dangerous game, Arath. If they find out Kael has LUX—"

"They won't," Arath interrupted firmly. "We've been careful. And Kael is strong. He can handle himself."

Aether looked away, his expression troubled. "I hope you're right."

---

In the Syn residence, Lyra paced anxiously while Kael sat on the edge of his bed, his expression unreadable.

"What do you think they'll do?" Lyra asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Kael shook his head. "I don't know. But it won't be good."

"They won't back down," Lyra said, more to herself than to Kael. "Not Darius, not Maelis. They're too—"

"Power-hungry?" Kael finished, his tone bitter.

Lyra nodded. "Yeah."

Kael clenched his fists, his mind racing. He couldn't shake the feeling that everything was spiraling out of control. And LUX—his unwanted companion—remained silent, its presence a constant reminder of the burden he now carried.

"We'll figure it out," Lyra said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We always do."

Kael managed a small smile. "I hope you're right."

The council meeting was scheduled for the following morning, and the tension across Aetron was palpable. The dissenting council members prepared their arguments, determined to force Arath and Aether into submission. Meanwhile, Arath and Aether strategized, knowing that t

he stakes had never been higher.

The future of Aetron—and Kael's fate—hung in the balance.