The massive Grand Hall of Lumisgrave stood at the heart of the palace like the core of a sun. Its towering stained-glass windows depicted the city's ancient history — scenes of the First Gate's sealing, the rise of the Echelon Knights, and the formation of the World Accord. High above, enchanted chandeliers floated with soft golden light, their crystals humming faintly with runes of warmth and truth.
The hall itself was vast, with stone columns veined in gold and silver reaching up like mighty trees. Banners of each realm had been placed with precision around a colossal circular table, hewn from a single slab of midnight wood. Each monarch's seat was carved with the sigil of their kingdom.
The Kings and Queens had arrived, their footsteps echoing under the arched ceiling. Guards opened the doors with synchronized precision, and the nobles entered one by one into the hall.
Queen Margrith of Altheria, robed in ice-silver and sapphire, took her place beside King Farhan with grace. Her gaze wandered to the stained glass, as if measuring its truth.
King Vange Cob of Thornevale, imposing in crimson thorns and black armor, grunted as he lowered himself into his chair. "I hope we're not here to trade stories, Farhan."
King Sung Kimchi of Cael'Lorien bowed slightly before taking his seat, his silk robes whispering like wind across water. "Stories often carry wisdom. Even thorns have roots."
King Musib of Varneth, bursting with energy, let out a warm laugh as he dropped into his seat. "Ha! I missed this table. Feels like war is brewing — or old wine."
Empty seats stood where King Mamba of Eshalorn and Queen Maria of Kaivelle should have been.
As everyone settled, quiet music from distant zithers and harps faded. The first course was served — not food, but elegant glass goblets of crystal fruit juice, harvested from Lumisgrave's Sun Orchards. Sweet and tart, glowing faintly, the drink refreshed the room and softened the edges of tension.
King Farhan, seated in the highest-back chair draped in royal red, tapped his goblet gently. The soft chime rang like a bell of order.
"We begin," he said calmly, but firmly. "Before lunch and celebration, let us speak of the shadows that press upon us."
The kings nodded.
Farhan leaned forward. "We all know of the Gates — the ancient structures long sealed, once pathways to other realms. How many types do your lands report?"
Queen Margrith was first to respond. "Two. The Messenger Gates, which we still monitor — and the Vault of Sundusk, long silent."
King Sung Kimchi nodded. "Cael'Lorien confirms the same. Vault of Sundusk haven't pulsed since it appeared."
King Musib raised a brow. "Devils appeared twice from the Messenger Gates, tell about some entity Kar'Thael.... "
Farhan let the silence grow just long enough to gather gravity.
"Then it is my duty to inform you," he said slowly, "of a third kind. One we confirmed weeks ago."
The room stiffened.
"We have named it the Bound Threshold. It is no Messenger, and no Echo. It is... raw. Violent. The seal on it breathes."
Even King Vange's stony demeanor shifted.
"Impossible," he muttered. "There were only two. Always two."
Farhan continued. "Its appearance coincided with the rise of the demon sites — four of them erupted across Lumisgrave territory. Each marked with ancient runes, older than even our Scrolls of Origin."
King Sung whispered, "The devils… did they speak of it?"
Farhan nodded. "They did. Three of them crossed through the Messenger Gate, not as enemies, but as warners. They spoke of an entity. A name."
No one breathed.
Farhan's voice darkened. "Kar'Thæl.As King Musib told."
Murmurs ran around the table. King Musib's confident face turned grim.
"Then it begins," he muttered.
Queen Margrith folded her hands. "So the Bound Threshold is not a gate of passage — but of awakening."
King Vange gave a short, impressed grunt. "You held the storm at bay, Farhan. How many sites remain?"
Farhan raised his palm. "None. All four sites have been cleared. The demons within — eliminated. One site vanished… on its own. The others were cleansed by our Echelon Knights."
There was a pause — then light applause. Not political. Genuine.
King Musib smiled. "My respect. Varneth will raise its flag beside you, if needed."
King Sung added, "You move swiftly. We've seen only minor corruption on our side… so far."
But the mood shifted again as the talk continued.
Vange's eyes narrowed. "It will spread. The corruption is patient. Like rot beneath polished wood."
Queen Margrith turned toward Farhan. "What of the devils? Are they still within your walls?"
Farhan shook his head. "Yes, There's are..we have fought great wars with them .... With a Demon ZARELLE.... We succeed.... We defeated it.... "
King Musib replied"We have not fight but just messenger Gates"
Queen Margrith replied" I think, that's the reason even Demons are going to be enemies.. Farhan"
King Farhan said"All due to my Echelon Knights and My Army"
All Kings appreciated it....