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The Council Hall was ablaze with anticipation as representatives from the Flamebound Council, noble houses, and rival guilds gathered beneath the great obsidian dome. Rune-shards sparkled under glowing embers, and cautious whispers rippled through the audience.
Lady Seraphine led the Crimson Drake delegation. Beside her stood Riven, clad in rune-forged armor, and AshenZero, whose gauntlet flickered with molten light. A hush fell as she raised her voice.
"With your approval, we will manage Molten-Core Rune production under Council oversight," she began. "Our goal is not power—but protection for Meras and its people."
Baron Aldric of Stonewall sneered from his seat. "Protection? You've broken sealed nodes without approval. Why trust you now?"
Seraphine remained poised. "Because the results speak: our runes saved lives in the Flamevault. We seek governance—not greed."
A third caller, Archmage Velvetyne, interjected, "The runes could be weaponized—or warp the natural balance. Are you prepared to accept limitations?"
Riven stepped forward. "Yes. We will allow Council rune-inspectors, controlled distribution, and enchantment tracking."
A tense silence ensued as the Council conferred. Then a deep gong echoed through the hall.
"The proposal approved under strict guidelines," the Speaker intoned. "Crimson Drake may continue production—under Crown-supplied duplicate runic regulators."
Applause rippled across the chambers. Riven exhaled with relief as Seraphine shot him a discreet nod.
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Tremors from Beyond
That evening, atop the guild's watchtower, Riven, Seraphine, and AshenZero peered out at the volcanic ring of Meras. The sky glowed hotter than usual, and the earth subtly trembled underfoot.
Riven frowned. "Activity has increased. Vulkran reacts—as if sensing power."
AshenZero's eyes followed the fiery horizon. "It knows something's changed. The prophecy warned of a shift..."
Seraphine placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll be ready."
Riven scanned their surroundings, uneasy. "Council-approved or not, we're vulnerable."
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Secret Note under Emberfall Bridge
Later that night, AshenZero met quietly with Riven beneath the Emberfall Bridge, its arches cast in molten-red light. The air shimmered with heat.
Riven handed him a sealed parchment. "Council equipped us with regulators... but I want you to see what they're made of." He set the note in his palm: it detailed a Council faction's plan to gradually confiscate rune veins and centralize all production.
AshenZero opened it, brows furrowed. "They're planning a full takeover once the runes are exhausted."
Riven's voice sank. "I don't know if we can stop it."
AshenZero looked toward the volcano. "Then we alter the strategy."
He closed the note. "We need allies—secret allies."
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The Growing Firestorm
Meanwhile, in the shadows of the Watchtower, Seraphine watched AshenZero silently. Her expression was unreadable—torn between loyalty to the guild and concern for the prophecy.
Behind them, distant machinery from the Council regulators hummed into life, rumor of resource inspection gears powered by magecraft and ledger magic.
The night crackled with power. The Council had backed them... but trust was breaking like crisped coal.
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Chapter 8 highlights: The council's tentative approval tightens political pressure; Council factions move to control Crimson Drake. AshenZero and Riven prepare to fight for autonomy—and trust grows more fragile by the minute.
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