Chapter 35. Bend the Knee

As darkness descends on Grosthe, an underground enclave on the rough outskirts of the city grows even darker. The cold breeze in the atmosphere seems to have no place there as the air hangs heavy with cold tension and silence.

A dim light comes on, the yellow bulb flickering at intervals as the members of the syndicate gather around a long, mahogany table, their faces obscured by shadows. At the head of the table sits the villain, with a presence that commands respect and fear in equal measure. The numerous figures are all clad in black, a hue peculiar to the fraternity.

"My dear associates," the villain begins with a grave and low voice.

“Some of you might be wondering why I summoned you on such short notice.” He chuckles. “Well, there is no longer news about what melee we have found ourselves in. We have been cornered, and we hate that, don’t we?”

He slowly passes his gaze across the table, scrutinizing each shadowy face.

“I hate to announce