The war council chamber in Hyparia's capital was choked with tension. Dim light filtered through stained glass, casting fractured shadows across the polished marble table where nobles, generals, and advisors had gathered.
Among them stood Raven, arms crossed and jaw tight, eyes locked on the man seated at the head of the table.
King Helvian, aged by war and worry, raised a weary hand. "Before we begin the strategy discussion, allow me to introduce someone who will shift the tide of this war."
The heavy oaken doors creaked open.
She stepped in like a specter dressed in grace and steel. A long white cloak fluttered behind her armored form, the silver and ivory plates of her battle habit marked with the sigil of the Everbright Church.
Her hair was silver-white, tied back with a golden cord, and her eyes, the color of polished lapis, surveyed the room with quiet amusement.
"This," the king said, rising, "is Saintess Marienne of Everbright."
