Page 54 of Sokâr

“You’ll veil the truth until someone peels it open with light. Then it will be worse. Choose your quiets carefully.”

—Auryn’s note: I hate when he says things like that. Because I agree. And that feels worse. Like I’m becoming a part of this cage. Melding with the bars. Losing myself.

Observation: The Sovereign Flame remained seated throughout the session. No audible commands or gestures recorded. His posture remained unchanged.

—Auryn’s note: Shu’Khan does not speak. He does not need to. His presence is a pressure. A stillness that makes the air taste like stone and old blood. When he turns his head, it is like watching a statue breathe.I wonder why he came. He never comes. Not unless he wants to be seen. And when the Sovereign wants to be seen... it’s not for the sake of vision. It’s for memory. For fear. For alignment.

Result: Motion Delayed

New Topic Proposed: Construction of a Dedicated Wing for the Sokâr

Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:

“The documentation was submitted last week. Preliminary structural assessments, material requisitions, and rune-bound anchor sequences are complete. The construction of the Sokâr’s personal wing should begin immediately. With the required approvals, we can achieve foundation-lay within three spans.”

—Auryn’s note:His voice is calm, but I recognize the steel beneath it. He’s pacing himself, but the tension is there in the clipped way he says ‘immediately.’ I wonder how long he has been planning this…

Councilor Feyne (Steward of Strategic Contingencies):

“It’s only been a week. You expect the Council to approve such measures after a mere handful of documents?”

Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:

“It’salreadybeen a week. With blueprints, runesgrams, and material routes in hand, there should be no further delays. Unless, of course, we are prepared to admit we have no intention of treating the Sokâr as more than a ceremonial afterthought.”

—Auryn’s note:I know that tone. He’s baiting them. Coldly. Skillfully. As if daring them to say aloud what they’ve only whispered until now.

Councilor Torven Rax (Commander of Civil Defense):

“The Resh’Agar seems to be in quite a hurry. But I suppose it must be...uncomfortableto share quarters with our lovely ornament.”

Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:

“Use that word again, Rax, and I will personally teach you what ‘uncomfortable’ means. She is the Sokâr, and each of you will address her as such.”

[Pause recorded. Unintelligible murmurs. The Councilors look afraid.]

—Auryn’s Note:He’s never flinched before when they’ve called me such things. I am so accustomed to it that I hardly even noticed this time. I see the truth before me—his conviction, his determination. Yet, despite my racing heart, I cannot condone him drawing so much attention to the regard he holds for me. What if they retaliate? What if they scheme? I must stay vigilant. For him.

Councilor Mirava (Still Untitled, Still Unqualified):

“The motion was voted forward last session, but a private wing? What’s next? Matching robes and Council voting privileges?”

Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:

“The matter of the Sokâr’s Attendants, wardrobe, and stipend is a topic I am prepared to discuss in full. Rest assured, that motion will not be ignored or delayed. Judging by the looks on your faces, this is not something you would rather I speak on now. As such, I suggest you make haste in reviewing the documents. Construct the wing. Full insulation wards. Shielded corridors. Attendant quarters. I will oversee the warding runes personally. The Sokâr deserves safety. And silence.”

—Auryn’s note:Silence. I know what he means. No more footsteps in the hall at night. No more fingers rifling through my things. No more banging on the walls while I try to remember I am still someone.

Councilor Calixtan (Elder Voice of the Eternal Seat):

“The Council will vote, but prior to initiating this, we would know if your side of the bargain is being carried out.”

Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:

“The Estâr has been scheduled for the next moon cycle. The Companions have been tasked with preparations. The Sovereign Flame himself will oversee the ritual to witness.”

—Auryn’s note:Bargain. I don’t like that word. What is this dread in my heart? Kailorien’s shadow dances. He is hiding something, keeping something from me. I have no right to ask, not after keeping my own secrets for as long as I have. Still, he has never looked so tense at the mention of Estâr before. Has something changed?