The New Order

In the meantime, back in Lorenia:

POV ???:

A monolithic tower of stone and concrete clawed at the heavens, slicing through the dense, dark clouds. Its surface was unnervingly smooth, as if sculpted from a single, massive gemstone.

The wind whistled, slicing the heavy silence as a colossal blackbird, rivaling the size of a small vehicle, swept towards the tower's roof.

Atop the massive creature, a man in a heavy traveling cloak perched, his gaze flitting anxiously around. 'Why was I summoned here?' This singular question had haunted his every waking moment since receiving the cryptic invitation a week prior.

With a grace that belied its size, the bird landed on the rooftop. Instantaneously, the air crackled with unseen energy, illuminating the space with vibrant, magic symbols that bound both rider and beast in an ethereal embrace.