Erythro: The Prophecy Unveiled

Theresa and Emily went into the grand hall. They change their attire to a simple black gown, a light make-up adorned their faces, matching the rest of the servers. They went inside and start with their task. Emily gets a tray with alcoholic beverages and roamed the hall. Some guests get a drink while the others paid no attention. 

The royal ball began promptly at eight o'clock. King Alexander of Carthage made a grand entrance, adorned in a magnificent, regal ensemble. A towering golden crown rested upon his head. His son, Prince Sebastian, followed closely behind, dressed in a similarly opulent attire befitting a prince. The young prince took his seat beside his father. Several of the king's relatives were also in attendance.

The royal ball commenced with a series of formal speeches. First, the King of Carthage, the gracious host, addressed the guests with a brief but impactful speech. This was followed by a ceremonial address from the high regent, who spoke of the kingdom's ordinances, and finally, the high priest of Aurelia offered a blessing. Once the speeches concluded, the atmosphere lightened as the guests began to mingle, their conversations blending with the joyful melodies played by the royal band.

Amidst the festivities, King Alexander engaged in a lively discussion with a prominent wealthy family. As they conversed, Regent Ryan approached the king, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty," he greeted. The king nodded politely to his companions. "Please excuse me," he said, turning his attention to the regent. "Follow me," King Alexander instructed, leading Regent Ryan to a secluded corner of the grand hall. As they walked, a servant passed by with a tray of drinks. The king took two glasses, handing one to the regent, who accepted it with a nod of gratitude.

"I believe this is regarding the wolf attack," the king remarked, his tone calm yet laced with concern. Regent Ryan nodded, his eyes scanning the hall cautiously to ensure their conversation remained private. "Yes, Your Majesty. It's confirmed—the attack in Perstone was indeed carried out by a black wolf. Witnesses claim there was only one black wolf involved," he added gravely.

Though the king's face remained composed, a subtle tension betrayed his worry. "Are you certain of this?" he asked, his voice carrying the weight of the situation. "Have the high regents been informed?" "Yes, Your Majesty," Ryan confirmed, his voice steady. "We have already sent a detailed report to the high regents."

King Alexander places his hands on his hips and sighed deeply. "What about the hunters? Any news?" "I went to the cathedral, but the clergy didn't know anything, or should I say, they are hiding something," the regent answered, earning a raised brow to the King. "That priest is surely a headache; I wonder why the Ordinance paying attention to them at all!" King Alex ranted. "I am sure, the hunters are on the move. We're still investigating information about them, and their whereabouts," Ryan added.

Thank you for the information, Regent Ryan. Keep me informed of any developments regarding the hunters," the king instructed, his voice firm with authority. Regent Ryan nodded, but before stepping back, he hesitated, then leaned in closer to the king, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"Your Majesty," Regent Ryan began cautiously, "I've also received word from another regent division" He paused, ensuring no one was within earshot. "There have been recent attacks in both Sunaria and the Winteris Empire."

The king's eyes widened, his calm demeanor giving way to alarm. "What? Have these attacks been confirmed as black wolf-related?" he asked, his tone sharp with concern. "Not yet, Your Majesty," Ryan responded, his voice steady but laced with unease. "The investigations are still ongoing, but the circumstances are eerily similar to the incident at Perstone. The likelihood of them being wolf attacks is high.

King Alexander smirked, "The Ordinance must be busy from now on, especially Erudite Cedric Vale. He must do something about this or else, the whole empire will collapse. We don't want a repetition of our history. I believe, a meeting will take place at the ordinance, days from now," the king added. "Yes, I think too," Regent Ryan replied and excuse himself.

Emily was roaming the hall with a tray in hand when suddenly, a familiar voice stops her. She looks behind and saw the Duke William Lamberg. The duke looks sophisticated with his catching golden and black suit. His hair was combed down, bangs covered his forehead and some part of his eyes. Despite the friendly smile, Emily senses something different about him tonight. His eyes were enigmatic and dangerous, making Emily put her guard up around him.

Emily approach him, and the duke get a drink. He swirls the drink and his hand. Emily begins to walk away, but the duke's voice stops her. "I didn't know low-level servant are allowed in this royal ball?" Emily politely bowed to him and answered, "There's an urgent need for an additional servant here at the grand hall". Emily answered without looking at him. 

Suddenly, a sudden appearance of a man, become the center of attention at the ball. King Alaric Valorhelm, a figure of imposing stature and regal bearing. Clad in a velvet doublet of deepest midnight blue, embroidered with silver threads that mirrored the constellations, he exuded an aura of authority tempered by warmth. His crown, a circlet of gold and diamonds, was a testament to his reign. Beside him, Queen Elara, a vision in shimmering emerald gown, her hair cascading like molten gold, complemented her husband's majesty. Her emerald eyes held a depth of wisdom that belied her youthful appearance.

King Alexander stood before them, his voice rich and resonant, addressed him, his words carrying the weight of centuries of royal lineage. "Welcome, emissaries of Sunaria. It is an honor to host you in Carthage. May your stay be as radiant as the sun." His gaze swept across the assembled dignitaries, his eyes holding a keen intelligence.

A hush fell over the Grand Hall as a figure emerged from the shadows. Tall and imposing, King Caspian Mistwalker of Winteris strode into the room, his presence as chilling as the icy winds of his empire. Clad in sable furs and silver armor, he was a stark contrast to the opulent attire of the Sunarians. His attendant, a grim-faced warrior, trailed behind him, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

King Alexander, with a practiced ease, extended a welcoming hand. "King Caspian, we are honored by your presence. Please, join us." Caspian inclined his head, his icy blue eyes scanning the room. "Your Majesty, Queen Elara," he acknowledged, his voice as cold as the winter's breath. "It is a privilege to be here." His gaze fell upon the Carthage King, and a flicker of recognition passed through his eyes. "I understand there have been… incidents in Carthage," he began, his voice low and deliberate.

"Wolf attacks, they say." A murmur rippled through the crowd. The topic was a sensitive one, a dark shadow looming over the prosperity of the neighboring kingdoms. King Alexander nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Caspian. A troubling matter." "We have also experienced similar attacks within our borders." Queen Elara, her eyes filled with concern, spoke softly. "These are not ordinary wolves, my lords. There is something... unnatural about them."

The conversation turned grave as the three monarchs exchanged somber glances. The once glittering atmosphere of the ball had been replaced by a heavy cloud of uncertainty. A common enemy had united them, and as they delved deeper into the matter, it became clear that this was no ordinary threat. A sudden fanfare echoed through the hall, cutting through the tense conversation. Heads turned as a flamboyant procession entered.

At its center was King Ragnar Ironhelm of Verdantia, a man of imposing stature with a wild, untamed look in his eyes. His arm was possessively linked with a strikingly beautiful woman, her gaze as fierce as her lover's. "Apologies for our tardiness, your Majesties," Ragnar boomed, his voice carrying across the hall.

"Verdantia has been plagued by a series of unsettling events." His mistress, a woman named Anya, chimed in, her voice laced with apprehension. "We fear the worst, Your Highnesses. These are no ordinary wolves. Legends speak of a black wolf, a creature of darkness and vengeance. We believe it has returned."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. The black wolf, a creature of myth and terror, was a name whispered in fear among the empires. King Alaric nodded grimly. "A chilling prospect, indeed. We must unite our forces, Ragnar. This threat is too great for any one kingdom to bear." Alexander's icy gaze met Caspian. "And what of Skotos?" he inquired, his voice carrying a hint of accusation. "King Lucian has been absent from these gatherings. His silence is unsettling." Alexander eyes narrowed. "Lucian," he mused, "a shadow king, they say. Perhaps he knows more than he lets on. Perhaps it is time we paid him a visit."

The conversation grew more intense, the weight of the impending danger heavy in the air. The once glittering ball had transformed into a council of war, the fate of their kingdoms hanging in the balance.