Chapter 53: hurtful past

As the gravity of Lilith's words settled over the room, a tense silence followed. The weight of the council's collective gaze fell on Esteria and El-Kharis, who both sat quietly, their expressions unreadable. Azazel leaned back in her chair, fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest as if testing the patience of everyone present. Her fiery gaze shifted from Lilith to Esteria, as though questioning whether the newest council member could truly be trusted with such a monumental responsibility.

"I assume a plan is already in place?" Azazel finally broke the silence, her voice dripping with veiled sarcasm. "Or will we sit and wait for this mystery person to come knocking at our doors again?"

Lilith's eyes flashed, but she kept her composure. "That's why we are here—to strategize. Whoever has broken through the veil possesses a power we have yet to fully comprehend. The veil should have been impenetrable, even for the gods."