The Scarlet Palace towered into the clouds, its blood-red crystal walls gleaming eerily in the setting sun, as if the entire palace were ablaze. The central hall was ablaze with lights, its dome supported by massive stone pillars carved with ferocious beasts. The air was thick with the scent of incense and blood. Officials stood on either side, their heads lowered, the atmosphere austere and oppressive. They dared not raise their gazes, only stealing glances at the supreme being on the throne—Elisa Bloodflame, Empress of the Kasar Empire.