As Zarathos, still masquerading as Dayan, prepared for his journey to the Shadowrealm, the palace bustled with activity. Servants scurried to and fro, gathering supplies and making preparations for the king's departure. Zarathos, his true intentions hidden beneath a facade of regal authority, moved with purpose, his mind already focused on the task at hand.
But as he made his way through the palace halls, a summons came from the council chambers. The council, comprised of the most influential and powerful figures in the kingdom, had requested his presence. They had grown restless, their murmurs of discontent echoing through the corridors like a distant thunderstorm.
Zarathos entered the council chambers, his expression carefully neutral. The council members, their faces a mixture of deference and apprehension, watched him closely as he took his seat at the head of the table.
"What is the meaning of this interruption?" Zarathos demanded, his voice cold and authoritative. "I am in the midst of important preparations."
One of the council members, emboldened by the collective courage of his peers, spoke up. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, we cannot ignore the pressing matters of the kingdom," he said, his tone tinged with defiance. "Your absence has left us in a precarious position, and we require your guidance."
Zarathos's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flickering within their depths. "You dare to question my authority?" he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You forget your place."
With a wave of his hand, Zarathos unleashed his telekinetic power, lifting the defiant council member from his seat and suspending him in midair. The man gasped for breath, his face turning purple as Zarathos tightened his grip around his throat.
"Let this be a lesson to all who would defy me," Zarathos declared, his voice carrying the weight of his fury. "I am the king, and my word is law. Anyone who dares to challenge me will suffer the consequences."
The other council members recoiled in fear, their eyes wide with terror as they witnessed Zarathos's ruthless display of power. They knew better than to speak out against him, lest they meet a similar fate.
Zarathos released his grip, allowing the council member to slump back into his seat, gasping for air. "You are to manage the affairs of the kingdom in my absence," he commanded, his voice icy and unyielding. "I am going on a trip, and I expect everything to be in order upon my return."
With that, Zarathos rose from his seat and swept out of the council chambers, leaving behind a trail of fear and uncertainty in his wake. As he made his way back to his chambers to finish his preparations, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the fear he had instilled in the hearts of those who dared to oppose him.
The kingdom would tremble beneath his iron fist, and none would dare to defy him again. With his preparations complete, Zarathos stepped through the portal to the Shadowrealm, his mind filled with visions of conquest and domination. Little did he know, Kael and his companions were hot on his trail, ready to confront him and put an end to his reign of terror once and for all.