The Grand Reception Room smelled of floor wax and aggressive politeness.
Elian stood by the refreshment table, adjusting the silver wolf pin on his collar. He kept one eye on the door and the other on the HUD floating in his vision.
[Current LP: 250][Time Until Death: 78 Hours (Paused - WiFi Zone Active).]
Cassian stood in the center of the room, looking lethal in the black velvet tunic with silver threading. He radiated a boredom so profound it threatened to suck the oxygen out of the room.
The herald banged his staff, cutting through the murmurs of the court.
"Presenting the High Council of the Neutral Lands!"
Five elderly Betas shuffled in. They wore grey robes and expressions of permanent disapproval, looking like a committee of sentient prunes judging a fruit contest.
"And presenting the Envoy of Oakhaven! Lord Sterling!"
