The council chamber deep beneath the Arass manor had not seen daylight in thirty years. It existed in permanent twilight, illuminated by candles that burned with that characteristic purple flame that marked the family's particular brand of dark arts. The table at the chamber's center was ancient ebony, its surface carved with sigils that seemed to writhe and shift when viewed from the corner of one's eye.
Around this table sat the five individuals who truly controlled what remained of House Arass.
Lord Marius Arass occupied the seat of authority at the table's head, his gaunt face illuminated from below by the candles, creating shadows that made him look like a corpse that had learned to speak. To his right sat his cousin Elena, her dark hair pulled back so severely it seemed to stretch the skin of her face. To his left was Lady Corvina, the eldest, her white hair like spider silk in the dim light, her ancient eyes still sharp with malice.
