The chamber was hidden beneath the ruins of an old cathedral—reachable only by a series of coded glyphs, underground tunnels, and a corridor that smelled faintly of blood and incense.
Seraphina had been summoned.
Her invitation bore no signature, only the symbol of a crowned eye: the Shadow Council, a body of ancient power that pulled strings behind kings and emperors alike.
She descended the final steps in silence, Kaelrith beside her like a dark phantom.
"You don't have to come," she murmured.
"I'm not here to protect you," he replied. "I'm here to watch them kneel."
---
The chamber was round, walled in stone, lit by flickering braziers. Twelve seats circled the room, filled with cloaked figures. Only their mouths were visible, each hidden behind a silver veil.
A thirteenth seat—at the very center—stood empty.
"Lady Seraphina Valebourne," a woman's voice intoned. "Daughter of a disgraced house. Wife of the Black Warlord. Tell us—why do you seek a seat among us?"
Seraphina stepped forward, chin high.
"I don't seek a seat. I come to claim what's mine."
A pause.
"You presume much."
"I've torn down the Merinth alliance in a single night. I have the Crown Prince's attention. And I have your general's loyalty."
She gestured to Kaelrith, whose eyes glittered.
"I don't presume," she said. "I deliver."
---
> System Prompt: Authority Check – Passed.
Shadow Council Influence +10
New Title: The Thirteenth Flame
---
A man spoke next—deep-voiced and unimpressed.
"What do you offer that we do not already possess?"
"Three things," Seraphina said calmly.
"One: access to the noble scandals they buried. I was raised in court. I know their secrets."
"Two: Kaelrith. With me, you don't just have a sword—you have strategy and legitimacy."
"Three…"
She reached into her sleeve and threw down a sealed scroll.
"The Crown Prince's future plans. Trade routes. Supply lines. Bribed officials. All intercepted from his envoy this morning."
Kaelrith raised a brow.
"You intercepted that?"
She smiled. "I paid his messenger's lover in rubies and silence."
---
> System Alert: Skill Acquired – Espionage Lv.1
You can gather intel through bribery, blackmail, and seduction. Increased success chance in court environments.
---
The Council was silent for several moments. Then the woman spoke again.
"You will not be bound. You will not be protected. If you betray us, your soul will be marked."
"I accept."
"You will be watched."
"I would be disappointed if I weren't."
The center seat lit with violet flame. Seraphina stepped forward and sat down.
And the chamber trembled.
--
> System Bonus Unlocked: Shadow Council Seat – Passive Income: 1,000 gold/week
Unique Ability Gained: Black Ledger – View and manipulate political debts within the kingdom.
As the meeting ended, Kaelrith pulled her aside.
"You didn't tell me you had that scroll."
"You didn't tell me you were their leader."
He gave her a look. "You're playing a dangerous game."
"So are you. The difference is—I'm winning."
For the first time, he laughed. A quiet, dangerous laugh.
"You surprise me, Seraphina."
"I intend to."
---
That night, she sat in her chambers, the silver veil of the Council tucked into her drawer, the ledger of debts glowing faintly in her hand.
> System Prompt: New Path Available
Do you wish to initiate: Operation Crownfall?
Goal: Bring down Prince Caelan using scandal, betrayal, and rebellion.
Warning: This path locks you into Villainess alignment.
🢂 YES
🢂 NO
She hovered over the choice.
Then selected YES.