Chapter 16 Council Of Shadows

• POV: Ravnir
• The council chamber was a circle of stone and silence, nestled beneath the ancient canopy of the elderwood. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the moss-covered floor. Ravnir stood at the center, flanked by Harkan, his trusted advisor and seasoned warrior.
• Seated around them were the village's elder council—five men, each bearing the weight of countless seasons. Their faces were etched with lines of wisdom and worry, their eyes sharp and unyielding.