The throne hall of the Garcia Palace hadn't changed much.
Still impossibly vast. Still filled with golden light pouring from the arched skylights above. The marbled floor reflected their footsteps like water. Great banners of the six great clans lined the walls: Starlight, Haze, Garcia, Silver, Ash, and Night, each stitched in spiritual thread that shimmered faintly as Azzy entered.
But the tension in the air was new.
Waiting in silence ahead were thirteen figures: the six Clan Lords stood on the left side, and the seven Pavilion Masters stood on the right side in silence. Their robes varied, some practical, some ceremonial, but all bore their respective clan insignias.
Azzy walked forward steadily.
Affea walked beside him, one step behind and to his left. She said nothing, but her presence was steady. Perhaps, she was walking beside him. She appeared more regal now, contrary to her usual laid-back attitude.
