In the city-state of Oakhaven, power wasn’t held in a crown, but in the —a small, glowing artifact that granted its bearer the ability to influence the emotions of an entire room.
His opportunity arrived during the Winter Gala. He partnered with , a woman whose own lust for status was so sharp it was rumored she’d poisoned her own husband for a seat at the table. Together, they orchestrated a "security breach," creating a moment of programmed panic that only Elias, wielding a smuggled duplicate of the Seal, could "calm." Lust and Power [v0.51 Regular]
By dawn, Elias sat in the High Chamber. He had the Seal, and he had the worship of the city. But as he looked out over the silent, adoring masses, he felt a crushing hollowness. He had the power to make them love him, but because it was forced, their love felt like ash. He had won everything he desired, only to realize that is just another form of solitude. In the city-state of Oakhaven, power wasn’t held