The Sinful Young Master

"The nyphorites," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Thaelar nodded solemnly. "Indeed, my lady. Our visions show his corrupted forces massing in the frozen wastes. If left unchecked, they will sweep down upon our lands like a tide of death and decay."

"The oracle has told us about the upcoming doom; she implored us all to make haste and prepare for the war. As the war was imminent." The urgency in Thaelar's words struck them all.

"We must immediately start praying to the great god Xaereus," one of the elders in the hall shouted.

Murmur erupted in the hall. The Nyphorites are said to be abyssal creatures that existed even before the gods existed, and they feed on souls and on the blood of gods. But Xaereus had killed them long ago and sealed their bodies away in the frozen wastes.

Lord Caelum stepped forward, his voice booming in the cavernous hall. "This is grave news indeed, but why bring it to us? You should have taken this matter to the emperor instead."

A wry smile touched Thaelar's lips. "You underestimate your own importance, Lord Kaezhlar. The union of your house with House Naemarys has shifted the balance of power in these lands. Your combined strength may be the key to stopping this threat before it engulfs us all."

Liliana felt Lorryll tense beside her. She knew he was thinking the same thing she was—their marriage, meant to bring peace, might now be the catalyst for war.

"What would you propose we do then?" The patriarch asked, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment.

Thaelar's silver eyes seemed to bore into them. "We propose an alliance. In a few days, there will be a meeting held in the empire, and if we share the same goal, then I ask the Lord to join us in the meeting."

Liliana's mind reeled. This was not how she had imagined spending her first days as a married woman. She had dreamed of quiet moments with Lorryll, of learning to navigate their new life together. Instead, they were being thrust into the heart of a conflict that threatened to engulf the entire world.

As if sensing her turmoil, Lorryll squeezed her hand gently.

The patriarch fell silent for a moment and pondered. When he spoke, his voice was blank and devoid of emotion. The threat of the nyphorites may indeed be dangerous, but he couldn't just agree with the alliance. There were other powerhouses in the empire, and he needed to act based on their motives, considering his own interests as well.

"We will need time to consider this proposal, Emissary Thaelar. Such decisions cannot be made lightly."

Thaelar bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Of course, my Lord. But I implore you to decide quickly. Every day we delay, which gives the enemy more time to gather his strength."

Lord Caelum cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "I will send my word very soon."

Liliana felt a touch on her arm as the assembly began to disperse. She turned to see Lady Elowen, looking at her with concern.

"Come, my dear," Elowen said softly. "Let us talk in private."