[Silthara Palace — Courtyard — Later]
SLAAAAAAAMMMMMMM!!!!
Arkhazunn's body crashed violently into one of the towering marble pillars; cracks raced across its surface. The High Mage fell onto one knee, coughing as blood trickled from the corner of his lips.
The entire courtyard...fell into a terrifying silence; no one dared breathe and no one dared move. All attendants and Imperial Knights immediately dropped to their knees, their foreheads pressed against the cold marble.
The Malik's pheromones had flooded the entire palace, heavy, violent, and oppressive. It felt as though an invisible mountain had descended upon every serpent present.
Even the strongest Imperial Knights found it difficult to breathe. Varesh instinctively took one step forward.
"High mage—"
"Stay where you are." Zeramet's voice cut through the courtyard, cold and absolute. Without even looking at Varesh, Zeramet continued. "You are the imperial captain; behave like one."
