Shadows in the Glass

Chapter 8 - Echoes of Destiny

The grand dining hall is a place of ethereal elegance, bathed in soft, golden light that filters through tall, arched windows lining one wall. The rays refract through glass panes, scattering prisms of colour across polished marble floors. The long dining table is crafted from a dark, nearly black wood, so perfectly lacquered it reflects light like obsidian. At its centre, intricate glass sculptures of mythical creatures—dragons, ancient symbols, and winged beings—are nestled among low candle holders. The flickering flames cast warm, golden hues, giving the table an otherworldly glow.

The chairs around the table are equally captivating, sculpted from a material that seems almost crystalline, their faint transparency lending them an ethereal quality. When the sunlight strikes them, they shimmer with a subtle iridescence, reflecting soft hues that complement the ornate tapestries draping the walls. Each chair is cushioned with lush velvet in tones of emerald and sapphire, adding warmth to the otherwise cool, elegant aesthetic.

Aurelia sits beside Malrik, who has positioned himself at the head of the table, exuding a calm yet commanding presence. The steady warmth in his gaze makes her feel both safe and subtly bound to the moment, as though her presence here was an essential piece of a long-laid plan.

The council members take their seats with practiced grace, each finding their designated place without hesitation. Raphael and the man from her bedroom's hallway sit directly across from her, their expressions attentive yet restrained. A beautiful women offers a gentle nod and a welcoming smile from further down the table, the woman embodies a dignified and timeless beauty, her features reminiscent of an ancient, ethereal dragon. Her skin is pale and smooth, with shimmering silver scales that trail elegantly across her cheekbones, down her neck, and onto her arms, giving her an otherworldly glint whenever the light catches them. Her long, golden-yellow hair cascades down her shoulders, its colour as radiant as sunlight, contrasting beautifully with the silvery lustre of her scales.

From her back extend delicate, translucent wings with intricate, webbed patterns. The wings have a subtle, opalescent sheen that reflects shades of silver and pale blue, reminiscent of moonlight on water. They are folded gracefully behind her, adding a regal depth to her silhouette and hinting at her draconic lineage without overwhelming her gentle presence.

Her eyes are a piercing, crystalline blue, with an intensity that feels both welcoming and all-knowing, as though she sees through layers that others miss. Her golden hair flows around her in soft waves, and small, silver horns curve back from her temples, adding an air of mystique to her refined features. Her voice is gentle yet resonant, with a melodic cadence that makes each word sound like it holds centuries of wisdom.

While a rather intimidating but handsome man inclines his head with a quiet intensity, his golden eyes sharp.

His eyes are a deep, predatory gold, narrowed and piercing with vertical slits that give him a serpentine gaze. They carry a calm but fierce intelligence, a watchfulness that makes it feel as though he sees through people, weighing them for strength and weakness alike. His high cheekbones and defined jawline lend him an air of regal authority, while his dark, slightly damp hair is slicked back, accentuating the sharp lines of his face.

He wears a fitted, sleeveless tunic in dark, earthy tones that emphasizes his strong shoulders and lean musculature. Adorned with layered golden jewellery—thick bracelets, rings, and a chain draped across his collarbone—his attire gives him an almost primal elegance, as if each piece of jewellery is both decoration and a symbol of his power. Beautiful green and yellow scales lightly shine across his body as the light hits them from the right positions. Intricate tattoos snake up his arms, peeking out from beneath the layered bracelets, and his fingers bear rings with embedded gems that catch the light with every subtle movement.