The wind howled through the streets of Velaris, carrying with it whispers of unease. Dark clouds loomed above, casting long shadows over cobblestone paths and towering spires. Otoku stood at the edge of the overlook, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the shimmering barrier of the Rift pulsed faintly.
"Velaris is tense tonight," Noctis murmured, his shadowy form weaving in and out of visibility beside Otoku.
Otoku's grip on the Codex tightened. "It's not just Velaris. The threads are fraying... I can feel it." His voice was barely above a whisper, but the weight of it hung heavily in the air.
Behind them, footsteps echoed against the stone. Maeve approached, her silver hair catching the sparse moonlight. "The Council has convened. They're expecting you."
Otoku turned, meeting her gaze. "And their mood?"
Maeve hesitated. "Unsettled. Some whisper of rebellion... others of expansion. The Rift's activity has them spooked."
A cold smile touched Otoku's lips. "Good. Fear means they're paying attention."
As they moved through the grand hall of Velaris' central spire, guards nodded in reverence, their armor etched with sigils of protection. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation—like a storm waiting to break.
The Council chamber doors swung open, revealing a long table flanked by figures cloaked in shadow. Light refracted off crystal orbs positioned at each seat—glowing faintly with the essence of their wielders.
High Elder Veyra sat at the head, her jade mask concealing her expression, but her posture rigid. "Otoku," she began, voice firm. "We've received word. The northern territories... they've seen the Rift's embers spread."
Otoku moved forward, unflinching. "It was only a matter of time. You've known this."
Murmurs rippled through the chamber. Veyra's mask tilted. "Containment measures have failed. We need... a different solution."
Noctis flared beside him, eyes glowing with spectral fire. "You mean you want us to do your dirty work again."
A hush fell. Veyra's fingers drummed against the table. "I want you to do what you were brought back for."
Silence hung, heavy and suffocating.
Otoku's eyes flickered with something ancient, something unyielding. "I'll handle it. But I choose my own methods."
The Council exchanged glances, uncertain. Veyra merely inclined her head. "As you wish. But be warned, the Rift is shifting. Something stirs within."
Otoku turned to leave, Maeve falling into step beside him. As the doors closed behind them, her voice broke the silence. "You're going north, aren't you?"
He nodded, eyes fixed ahead. "It's time we confronted what lies beyond the veil."
A shadow passed over the moon as they descended into the heart of Velaris, where whispers of revolution and rift-born horrors lurked just beyond the light.