The grand hall of the Sovereign Council was nothing short of magnificent. Towering pillars lined the vast chamber, the high ceiling adorned with intricate carvings of past rulers and wars fought for Velmora's survival. Golden chandeliers bathed the room in a warm glow, illuminating the heavy wooden seats that encircled the grand council table—each representing the most powerful figures in the kingdom.
Kael Rogathrone stood at the entrance, his expression unreadable, his mind sharp. The weight of his new title pressed on his shoulders, yet he stood unwavering. He had endured two years of hellish training—surviving in the untamed wilderness, mastering the art of war, deception, and politics, and standing at the peak alongside his closest allies.
Beside him stood Lukas, Yui, and Rose, the only ones who had endured the same brutal training. Lukas, sharp-witted and calculative, was appointed Minister of Finance—a role that ensured Velmora's wealth remained untouchable. Yui, brilliant and composed, would oversee Education & Development, tasked with shaping the minds of future generations. And then there was Rose, the unwavering warrior, now in charge of Military & Foreign Affairs, a position fitting for someone who had commanded the battlefield even as a trainee.
But Kael? He was given the crown of the Sovereign Council President.
He wasn't just another voice in the chamber. He was the voice.
The 300 members of the Elder Council watched in silence as the four approached the grand table. These elders had governed Velmora for decades, yet their power paled in comparison to the Sovereign Council. Their decisions could be overturned with a single vote from the elite four, and even among them—Kael held the final veto power. Only the Vice President, Rose, could challenge his authority, and even then, it would take a full council vote to override him.
The tension in the hall was thick.
"Take your seats," the Head Elder commanded, his voice carrying age-old wisdom and authority.
Kael and the others stepped forward, their footsteps echoing in the vast hall. As they lowered themselves onto their respective thrones, the weight of the kingdom settled upon them.
The ceremony began.
One by one, they took their oaths, their voices unwavering. The council chamber buzzed with murmurs, some elders shifting uncomfortably. Kael's presence was undeniable. Though only twenty, he exuded a presence that demanded respect—and fear.
As Kael finished his oath, an elder in the front row scoffed. "At least walk properly, young man. You're not in a battlefield anymore."
Kael smirked, leaning back on his throne. "Shut up, you old hag."
The room fell into stunned silence before bursting into laughter. Some elders chuckled at Kael's boldness, while others fumed at his disrespect.
Then came the punch.
"Apologize!" Rose barked, delivering a sharp jab to his side.
Kael winced, rubbing his ribs. "Damn, woman. You hit harder than the beasts in the jungle."
"Good. Maybe next time you'll behave," she huffed, arms crossed. Her face, however, betrayed her—a soft pink dusting her cheeks as she looked away.
Lukas chuckled. "Still got that soft spot for our dear President, huh?"
Rose's face turned crimson. "S-Shut up!"
Kael grinned. "Oh? So you do?"
Rose raised a fist, but Yui sighed, shaking her head. "I swear, this council is going to be the death of me."
The ceremony continued, formalities passing in a blur. But Kael's mind was already elsewhere. Vengeance.
The moment the ceremony ended, the hall quieted as all eyes fell on him. He rose from his seat, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
"The Sovereign Council has taken its place." His tone was calm, but his eyes burned with determination. "Velmora will move forward, and we will forge a future that cannot be challenged."
His fingers tightened around the hilt of his ceremonial blade.
"However..."
He turned, gazing toward the stained-glass window depicting Velmora's proud history.
"...There are debts that must be settled."
The air grew thick with tension. Those who knew, knew.
Rose glanced at him, worry flickering in her eyes. She had seen that look before—the one that spoke of war, of vengeance.
Kael exhaled slowly. Then, with the faintest smirk, he murmured under his breath—just loud enough for those closest to hear:
"It's time."
To Be Continued...
© 2025 Jatin. All Rights Reserved.
This story, [VOID RE-BORN], is an original work by Jatin. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, distribution, or adaptation of any part of this story without the author's written consent is strictly prohibited.
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