Chapter 18: Sealed in Blood.

"Everyone present will remember that by the same time next year, it will be the eve of a monumental event remembered by the shed of blood, in the name of vultures and for vultures."

Wendy's solemn voice sounded as she stood in the center of the meeting hall. The tables and furniture were cleared out save for a small platform in the center.

She was standing on the platform's edge, the selected twelve rakshas from the upper echelons from each town standing beneath her.

With Wendy included, each wore a decorative mask covering the upper half of their face.

Unlike the twelve rakshas who had black feathers depicted on their masks, Wendy had plenty of thorns dripping with blood.

The twelve exchanged a look under the witnessing eyes of tens of influential characters in the upcoming alliance, ready to bleed for the cause.

"Hands!"