The sun dipped low on the horizon, bathing Duskspire Castle in hues of gold and crimson. Though the enforcer had left, the tension within the castle's walls hadn't eased. Arkanis paced in the grand hall, his cloak trailing behind him, his thoughts sharp and restless.
Elara leaned against one of the towering pillars, her arms crossed. "You didn't look as confident as you sounded in there," she remarked, her tone a mix of teasing and concern.
Arkanis paused, glancing over his shoulder at her. "They were looking for a reason to condemn me, Elara. If the enforcer finds even the slightest flaw in those records..."
"Then what?" she interrupted, stepping closer. "You'll just sit here and wait for them to strike? That doesn't sound like the Demon Lord you're supposed to be."
Zyre appeared from the shadows, a scroll in hand. "She's right, my lord. Sitting idle won't help. The council's grip grows tighter, and if we don't act soon, we'll lose any chance of staying ahead."
Arkanis sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know. But to act against the council is to invite a war we can't win."
"Not alone," Elara said firmly. Her words hung in the air, heavy with implication.
Both Arkanis and Zyre turned to her, curiosity and skepticism written on their faces. "What are you suggesting, Hero?" Arkanis asked cautiously.
"I'm suggesting you're not the only one tired of this endless cycle," Elara said. "There are others out there—humans and demons alike—who want something different. We find them. We bring them together. We make them believe in a world where this war doesn't have to define us."
Zyre snorted, though there was a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. "A rebellion? Against the council and centuries of tradition? Bold move for a Hero."
"Boldness is what you need right now," Elara shot back. "Or are you planning to wait for the council to knock down your door?"
Arkanis studied her intently, his golden eyes thoughtful. The idea was dangerous, reckless even. But it was also the most hope he'd felt in years. "If we do this," he said slowly, "it won't be easy. The council's reach is vast, and their power even greater."
"Then it's a good thing you've got a Hero on your side," Elara said with a faint smirk. "And an exasperated servant," Zyre muttered, though his tone carried a hint of reluctant approval.
Arkanis allowed himself the smallest of smiles. "Very well. Let's plant the seeds of rebellion."