Private Council Room, Celesthall Tower
A few moments after reviewing the Pactum
Celesthall Tower looms majestically amidst the night's darkness, with soft moonlight streaming through the arched windows, casting intricate silhouettes of its grand architecture. The stone walls, steeped in history, are adorned with ancient carvings that narrate engaging tales of rulers and traitors, adding a mystical aura to this room. Each step on the wooden floor seems to awaken echoes that recall whispers of the past—when secrets were closely guarded and truths were risked in the intricate game of politics that has unfolded for centuries, reminiscent of great historical dramas illustrating how power can shape or destroy fate, shaping the very essence of kingdoms.
Sheena rose from her chair, the heavy fabric of her gown rustling audibly in the hushed room. The lantern's light fell on her face, emphasizing the noble lineage of Elyndra—a beauty forged by centuries of suffering.
In the tension enveloping the room, Sheena's breaths felt labored, as if the world around her had faded away for a moment. Her spirit wrestled between ambition and responsibility, each passing second stretching longer than usual. The weight of her decision bit at her like a venomous snake, and her body trembled softly under the unseen pressure, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation.
Behind her, Fitran stood resolutely, his gaze fully fixed on Sheena's face. He understood that this decision was not an easy one.
Kaeso was still waiting. His hands rested on the table, as if he could hardly contain his impatience to hear the word "yes," a word that would change everything. In his heart, he felt the weight of this agreement, which promised not only power but also marked the loss of the independence that had been entrusted to his family for generations. In that tense atmosphere, even his heartbeat resonated, signaling that the time must come soon, or all hope would vanish in an instant, like a sheet of paper burned by the flames of a hasty decision.
Sheena lifted the scroll of Pactum Aurum Vetustas, opened the first page, and then gently closed it again. A chill enveloped the room as those words echoed in her mind, conjuring images of the consequences that lay ahead. She envisioned how the faces once full of hope could now twist into expressions of anger and regret if the choice went awry. The background sound of the wind rustling through the window seemed to whisper, "Betray, or you will lose everything," amplifying the emotional burden she bore, as if pulling her into a whirlpool of doubt where every option carried risks that could forever alter her life.
"No."
That single word resounded like the tolling of judgment bells.
"I will not surrender my blood. I will not offer this curse as a means for profit. Not to the Council. Not to anyone."
Kaeso fell silent, then attempted a faint smile.
"Lady Elynd
The city of Gaia sprawled beneath the towering Celesthall Tower, its structure crafted from shimmering stone that seemed to absorb the moonlight. The slender columns and intricate ornaments depicted the grandeur and mystery of ancient times, captivating all who passed by. At the tower's peak, silver flags fluttered gently, creating the illusion that the tower stood as a guardian, witnessing every step taken by its people.
Surrounding them, shadows danced as if responding to the rising tension, crafting a dramatic atmosphere that could sway any decision. The judge and silent witnesses—the magnificent buildings surrounding the tower—listened to every word with utmost seriousness. Each historical corner seemed to hold secrets, waiting to be revealed in this thrilling moment, like spectators steering the fate of the protagonists in an unpredictable drama.
"Lady Elyndra... this is not merely about handing over. It's about harnessing the power that has burdened your family for generations. Transforming a curse into a blessing. Making Gaia—new hopes, a beacon of hope."
"How many generations of the Elyndra family do you think have tried to 'transform a curse into a blessing'?" Sheena's eyes shone with a golden hue, resembling the fading light of dusk. "They all perished—each one, a tragic testament to the peril of wielding power born from darkness. The only one left is me. It's just me... and my inevitable decision to break free from this cycle."
The echoes of her voice shattered the heavy silence, resonating through the air with unwavering courage. The magnificent architecture of Celesthall Tower amplified the significance of this moment, as if the tower itself was defying the inescapable fate.
She turned her face towards Fitran, seeking his reassuring presence amidst the turmoil of her thoughts.
"And I choose not to let anyone—least of all the Assembly—determine the worth of my life."
Kaeso tried once more, striving to present his argument with greater conviction.
His political tone shifted into a more personal appeal, rising from the depths of his heart that longed for success for all parties involved. "If you refuse, Lady Elyndra, you will stand alone against that ancient will, and Gaia-Atlantis will have no legal grounds to assist you. This alliance is not merely an option; it's your only shield against the impending threat looming over us," Kaeso pressed on, underscoring the high stakes of their precarious situation.
"If you refuse, Lady Elyndra, you will stand alone against that ancient will. Gaia-Atlantis will have no legal grounds to assist you. This alliance is your only shield against the impending threat."
In the stillness of the room, seconds felt like centuries. The base of the tower vibrated as if holding its breath, with the silence heavy, like the dark twilight before a storm.
Fitran spoke, his voice deep:
"You are mistaken, Kaeso. Sheena does not stand alone."
He stepped forward, standing beside Sheena. Tension enveloped the room, as if the world awaited a response to his declaration, while light from the large window illuminated them, casting dramatic silhouettes on the polished marble floor.
"As long as I breathe, as long as my magic can weave the threads of fate, no ancient entity, high council, or economic power will be able to demand a price from Sheena Valtheris Elyndra."
"We will confront that ancient will with our own will."
Sheena lowered her gaze slightly, her voice soft yet firm:
"I appreciate your offer, Kaeso. But this curse is mine. And I would rather face destruction than sell it."
For a moment, the room fell silent, with only the sound of the night wind whispering through the tall windows of Celesthall Tower. The tower itself, rising majestically with its deep blue stones shimmering under the moonlight, intensified the atmospheric tension. Along the tower walls, intricate ornaments shaped like mythical creatures seemed to flicker with life, watching every exchange of words taking place within, as if the very stones were privy to the weight of the decisions being made.
Kaeso took a deep breath.
His face remained calm, yet behind his golden eyes, new calculations were unfolding, each more intricate than the last. Sheena's resistance echoed not only in her words but also in the mystical aura surrounding her—an aura that suggested a deeper connection to the ancient forces at play. The boundaries between will and destiny appeared increasingly blurred, like the mist enveloping the peak of Menara Celesthall, daring them to step into the uncertain realm that waited beyond.
"I understand," he said, his tone calm yet pressured. "Your decision... will be recorded in the annals of unforgettable history."
He slowly rolled the Pactum, a movement almost ritualistic in nature. As his fingertips made the final contact with the document, a flash of delicate energy swept through the air, as if encapsulating the essence of the unmade agreement. Every element in the room seemed to hold its breath, witnessing an inevitable shift in fate.
"But remember this, Lady Elyndra, Lord Fate. The world does not wait for those who refuse to adapt. If that ancient will rises and you both fall, do not expect mercy from a Council that has never shown weakness."
Sheena offered a faint smile.
Sheena offered a faint smile, a flicker of defiance in her expression.
Kaeso lowered his head, offering a formal greeting before turning to leave the room. The echo of his footsteps resonated in the tower hallway, as if each step challenged the ordained fate that had been set in motion. As the door closed, the sound of the glyph locking mechanism rang out, shattering the oppressive silence. Once again, silence enveloped the space, yet tension still hung in the air, ready to explode as Sheena's curse began to unfold its role.
Sheena: "I know this decision is dangerous."
Fitran: "Danger... has been a part of our lives from the very beginning."
Sheena gazed out the window at the dark and mysterious night sky, seemingly searching for answers among the faintly glowing stars.
"This curse will come to collect. But I would rather fight with my own will than become a tool for their power."
As her gaze wandered, the sky stretched out darkly, with thin fog resembling a curtain shrouding the distant Celesthall Tower. The tower, towering high, was made of shimmering black marble, carved with ancient runes that glimmered in the dim light. Every curve and angle of the structure spoke of strength and melancholy, as if it held dark secrets within its daunting walls.
Fitran placed his hand on her shoulder.
"And I will always stand beside your will, not above it."
In an instant, the window Sheena gazed at seemed to reflect the turmoil of her emotions. She could feel the dust of time, each heartbeat resonating in harmony with the humility and courage flowing together. Not far from the Tower, the unspoken pressure of a pact echoed in her ears, challenging her resolve to oppose the tides of fate that bound her.
That night, the two of them decided: if the ancient will should arise, they would not rely on any political Pactum that had intertwined their fates. They would face their destiny bravely, as themselves, without compromise, ready to navigate the treacherous waves that might lie ahead.
As the night grew late, the Symbol of Sigil Aurum Vetustas that had once shone from the Pactum began to crack and fade.
Yet, a new symbol—a glyph older than Proto-Speech—emerged faintly in the mirror of Sheena's room.
With each passing second, the wind outside whispered ominously, warning them of the consequences that might soon unfold.The atmosphere was charged with suspense, echoing with the sound of unexpected movement, as if the Celesthall Tower itself was responding to their rejection; the magical forces flowing through its walls created a tension resembling the aura of a storm, rendering the air heavier and every breath a struggle amid the pressing uncertainty, which carried the ominous message that change was inevitable, and dire consequences lurked just beyond their reach.
The Ancient Will had heard their refusal.
And it... began to rise.