[House Karzath — The Same Night — Rakhane's Office]
SLAM—!!!
The sound of shattering clay echoed through the chamber as the heavy vase struck the wall and exploded into pieces across the floor. Fragments scattered over the black stone tiles, some sliding under the table, others stopping near the edge of the carpet, stained with spilled wine and dust.
Rakhane stood in the middle of the room, breathing hard, his robe half loosened, his one visible eye burning with fury.
"That silver serpent…!" His voice shook with rage. "He ruined everything!"
His hand swept across the table, sending scrolls and inkstones crashing to the ground. "All of it… all my preparations… all the pressure on the court… gone in one night!"
Another cup hit the wall.
CRACK—
The sound lingered in the chamber like thunder. Across from him, sitting calmly on the low couch, Serath-min remained unmoving.
One leg crossed over the other, one hand resting against his knee, his expression unreadable.
Arkhazunn.
