Chaos," Tharaxis replied. "His empire collapsed, releasing millions of creatures he'd bound back to their natural states. His allies scattered. His enemies celebrated. And the Council reformed specifically to ensure no one would ever accumulate that much power again."
Lightning struck nearby, close enough that Jack felt the discharge make his hair stand on end. Tharaxis didn't seem to notice, his attention fixed entirely on the young Soul Warden before him.
"The red-haired woman tried to follow Malakai's path," the dragon continued. "Built alliances. Made strategic bindings. Cleared floors with calculated precision. For eleven months, she succeeded where dozens before her had failed." The lightning from his eyes dimmed.
"Then the Council sent their assassin, and she died in her sleep."
Jack's expression remained neutral, but internally, his mind was working through the implications. The Council wouldn't wait for him to become a threat.
