The Aurion Dominion, Frostveil Concord, and Aetherion Ascendancy were far from allies. Each regarded the others with suspicion and unease, their histories marked by skirmishes and rivalries. The Aurion Dominion viewed Frostveil as barbaric and the Ascendancy as dangerously unorthodox. Frostveil saw the Dominion as imperialistic aggressors and the Ascendancy as aloof manipulators. The Ascendancy considered both empires to be short-sighted and crude in their ambitions.
Yet, the rise of Amber Heavens forced them to take notice. The empire's rapid expansion, divine strength, and mysterious leader disrupted the fragile balance of power. Envoys, spies, and informants were dispatched to gather intelligence on Amber Heavens, each empire wary of what Lyrus might do next.
In secret, the Aurion Dominion began fortifying its borders near Amber Heavens, while Frostveil debated preemptive action. The Aetherion Ascendancy, ever watchful, sought to unravel the secrets of Amber Heavens' divine power.