The night had fallen starless.
It was as if the sky had decided to close itself over the Empire, denying even the consolation of the moon.
However, the Imperial Palace shone like a blazing heart amidst the darkness. The white marble towers reflected the light of thousands of floating lanterns; the ponds resembled mirrors of fire; and the corridors, bathed in the restless dance of torches, seemed like endless passages toward a destiny no one could decipher.
In the Council Hall, however, darkness prevailed. Only two figures stood beneath the jade columns: Emperor Jin Long and his consort, Suwei.
Before them, a map of the Empire stretched across an ebony table. Dozens of red and black marks stained it: signs of unrest, rumors of sects, movements of invisible troops.
