Part 2 — The High Council
Deep within the Crimson Spire, far above the sprawling streets of Vhaloria's capital, enormous black doors stood at the entrance to the most powerful chamber in Fallen civilization.
The throne room of the High Council.
Beyond the doors, a vast hall stretched beneath a vaulted ceiling supported by towering pillars of polished black stone. Intricate silver carvings decorated their surfaces, depicting ancient battles, legendary warriors, and victories achieved across distant worlds.
Enormous arched windows lined the chamber, offering breathtaking views of the capital below. Gothic towers rose above the surrounding districts, their dark silhouettes disappearing into the gray clouds that covered the sky.
A long crimson carpet extended from the entrance across the polished marble floor, leading toward a broad staircase at the far end of the chamber.
The carpet continued up the steps to an immense elevated platform.
There, arranged in a perfectly straight line, stood seven magnificent black thrones.
Each throne was carved from polished dark stone, its towering back rising into an elaborate gothic arch. Silver ornamentation decorated the armrests and edges, while narrow lines of crimson light illuminated the intricate patterns worked into the stone.
All seven stood at the same height.
None was larger or more elaborate than another.
The seven individuals seated upon them governed the vast territories of Fallen civilization.
Some wore elaborate ceremonial armor, its dark surfaces decorated with silver and crimson markings. Others wore long, finely tailored robes fashioned from expensive fabrics, their collars and sleeves adorned with symbols of authority.
Their appearances differed considerably.
One was a broad-shouldered male whose pale features bore several old scars. His dark armor carried the marks of countless battles, and his heavy hands rested upon the armrests of his throne.
Beside him sat a slender female with long silver hair and sharp crimson eyes. Her black garments were decorated with intricate silver embroidery, and her expression remained composed as she studied a holographic display hovering before her.
Another Council member appeared considerably older, his pale face marked by deep lines and his dark hair streaked with gray. Despite his age, his posture remained perfectly straight, and his crimson gaze carried the unmistakable confidence of someone accustomed to unquestioned obedience.
The remaining four were equally imposing, each possessing a presence that distinguished them from the powerful Lords who governed Vhaloria's cities.
Before the seven thrones, an enormous holographic projection hovered above the chamber floor.
It displayed the vast territories controlled by Fallen civilization.
Hundreds of planetary systems glowed within the projection, their classifications identifying established colonies, military installations, and resource-extraction worlds.
One of the Council members studied a cluster of planets near the outer territories.
"Production from the eastern mining sectors has declined by twelve percent."
His voice was quiet, yet it carried clearly throughout the enormous chamber.
The silver-haired female examined the figures displayed before her.
"Labor shortages?"
"Primarily. Three extraction worlds have exhausted their current supply."
"Then authorize additional shipments from the outer territories," she replied. "Prioritize the worlds producing materials essential to our military operations."
Another Council member studied the figures.
"Increase the number of overseers as well. The last shipments suffered unacceptable losses before reaching their destinations."
The silver-haired female inclined her head.
"Agreed."
No further discussion was necessary.
The holographic display changed, highlighting several planetary systems near the human frontier.
An older male seated among the seven examined the new information.
"Our operations along the frontier continue to consume resources. What is the status of the planetary conversions?"
"Four remain active," another Council member answered. "Three are progressing within acceptable parameters."
"And the fourth?"
"Kharos Vale."
The older male studied the planet's designation.
"Blood Ascendant Vireth Kael'tharyn commands that operation."
"He does."
"His last report?"
"Conversion remains incomplete. Human resistance continues, although his forces maintain numerical superiority."
The older male regarded the holographic image for a moment.
"Then we will await his next report."
Before the discussion could continue, the enormous doors at the far end of the chamber opened.
A Fallen military officer entered, accompanied by two armed guards.
His black armor bore the insignia of the military communications division. A small holographic device rested against his forearm, its display glowing crimson.
He walked the length of the crimson carpet, his footsteps echoing across the polished floor.
At the foot of the staircase, he stopped and lowered himself onto one knee.
"High Council. An emergency transmission has arrived from Kharos Vale."
Seven pairs of crimson eyes settled upon him.
The older male spoke.
"Deliver your report."
The officer kept his head lowered.
"The planetary conversion has reached completion."
A brief silence followed.
"Whitefall has been achieved."
None of the seven moved.
Their expressions remained unchanged.
The older male rested one hand upon the armrest of his throne.
"Continue."