Chapter 22: A Dangerous Game

Laila stood at the entrance of the grand council chamber, her eyes scanning the nobles and officials gathered inside. The tension was thick, and the whispers around the room reflected the uncertainty in the air. Today, she needed to secure her alliances, especially with the neutral faction, The Silent Veil, who had yet to declare their allegiance in the brewing conflict.

Beside her stood her five griffins—Azeer, the fire griffin; Calista, the ice/water griffin; Venari, the poison griffin; Zephyr, the wind griffin; and Drakon, the lightning griffin. Each of them was as large as an average house, their massive forms imposing as they silently observed the room. The nobles, though accustomed to Laila’s griffins, could not help but steal uneasy glances at the powerful creatures. Azeer’s fiery eyes gleamed under the dim light of the chandeliers, while Zephyr’s wings gently stirred the air around them.