The council chamber loomed like a hollowed-out cathedral. Enchanted fire floated above them, casting blue shadows on the black stone floor. The thrones of the seven council members stood in a perfect circle, each one shaped to reflect their domain—knowledge, energy, elemental command, translation, enforcement, preservation, and silence.
Leo stood at the center of the ring, fidgeting like a schoolboy about to be scolded for breaking a thousand-year-old artifact (which, honestly, felt like something he could do by accident).
Rayleigh stood beside him, stone-faced as always.
A voice echoed from above—not loud, but somehow filled the entire room:
> "Leonis Vale."
Leo blinked and looked around.
> "My name is Leonis Vale? What are you, drunk?"
A few of the more serious council members gave disapproving looks. One snorted—possibly stifling laughter. Rayleigh sighed like he regretted his entire existence.
Another voice chimed in, a woman's, sharp and focused:
> "You've been accused of disturbing the magical equilibrium of our city. The Archive's enchantments began surging the moment you arrived. Spells are faltering. Ancient whispers have risen."
Leo raised a hand slowly. "So… I tripped and caused magical indigestion?"
No one laughed. Except maybe one council guy in the back who coughed suspiciously.
Rayleigh stepped forward. "We believe the cause is related to a phenomenon known as the Lingual Echo. Leo's presence triggered something in the Archive—a swarm of ancient voices. They haven't stirred in centuries."
A third council member, draped in a cloak made of stitched parchment, asked, "Did you hear them speak?"
Leo hesitated. "I mean… they didn't say 'hello,' if that's what you mean. They were whispering. A lot. Like, too much whispering. Honestly, it was like standing in the middle of a haunted library during finals."
The silence that followed felt judgmental.
The parchment-cloaked member turned to the others. "It could mean the seals are weakening. Or that the Final Note—"
"Enough," said the lead voice.
Leo perked up. "Wait, Final Note? What's that? Sounds kinda dramatic. Is it a band?"
No one answered.
Rayleigh placed a hand on Leo's shoulder and gently pulled him back. "That's… not for now."
The lead councilwoman finally spoke again. "You are not under arrest, Leonis Vale. But your presence is unstable. You will be watched. Closely."
Leo saluted. "Great. Love being babysat by magical strangers."
They began to rise from their thrones, shadows folding around them.
Rayleigh motioned for Leo to follow. "Come. Before you try asking for autographs."
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