The golden hall quaked with the echo of a single strike of steel.

A crack, then silence.

The servant's body hit the marble floor headless, blood painting a crimson arc against the gilded steps. The scent of iron lingered, sharp and nauseating.

Haspan Cosmos stood at the center of it all-his chest heaving, eyes glowing a sickly gold beneath the chandelier light. The court members knelt low, trembling, afraid to breathe too loud.

"Every filthy corner of the realms knows!" Haspan ...