Just a few days later.
The air still hummed with the power of the defensive arrays Alaric had erected. Within the secure bubble of the Steele territory, life had resumed a semblance of normality.
For some, at least.
Queen Margaret and her retinue were settling into the Sunken Pearl Estate. Uneasily, perhaps, but safely.
Archmage Priscilla continued her cautious assessment of her new surroundings. Impressed, wary, constantly analyzing.
Meanwhile, outside the Steele domain, chaos reigned. The demonic surge intensified.
And news of the Phantom Assembly's audacious moves began to filter through. Whispers carried on the winds of trade and terror.
Cities falling. Not just to demons, but falling under a new, shadowy control. Desperate lords making pacts with the devil.
The Phantom Assembly, emerging from the shadows, was claiming territory. Leveraging the fear, the desperation.
They offered protection. At a steep price. Submission.
