[Empire of Qashmar — Imperial Palace — Evening]
Night had slowly settled over the mountains of Qashmar. Thousands of lanterns illuminated the Imperial Palace. Waterfalls echoed endlessly beyond the cliffs, and inside the private imperial chamber, Emperor Tharzek sat alone.
A crystal goblet rested within his hand; dark wine swirled lazily inside it. His expression remained calm, but his eyes were not. They were cold, sharp, and calculating.
The eyes of a ruler carrying an entire empire upon his shoulders, especially now because Ashkareth still lived, and every day that monster remained alive, Qashmir bled.
Then—
KNOCK.
KNOCK.
"Come in."
The chamber doors opened. Lord Lior entered, and the Grand Duke bowed respectfully.
Tharzek took another sip of wine as his voice remained casual. "What about the Serpent Emperor?"
Lior answered immediately. "I have returned him to House Vaelric."
