The Grand Hall had been built to inspire awe.

Vaulted ceilings stretched fifty feet overhead, supported by columns carved from single pieces of volcanic stone.

Each column told stories in relief—demons rising from primordial darkness, wars fought against impossible odds, victories earned through blood and sacrifice.

The floor was polished obsidian, reflecting torchlight like a black mirror.

At the far end, elevated on a dais, sat two thrones: one of shadow and silver for the Queen, one of black stone and crimson accents—newly constructed—for the Primordial.

Liam stood beside his throne but didn't sit.

Lilith remained standing as well, her golden eyes surveying the assembled powers with the calculating gaze of someone who'd spent ten years learning exactly how dangerous these demons were.

The Nine House leaders occupied the front row of the assembled forces, each positioned with deliberate spacing that suggested political distance despite physical proximity.

Behind them stood seven legion commanders—the actual military powers who controlled the empire's armed forces.

Further back, various advisors, generals, and witnesses who'd been deemed important enough to attend but not influential enough to sit.

Sixty-three demons in total, representing every major power structure in the Demon Empire.

All of them summoned. All of them present. None of them certain what was about to happen.

Liam had spent the morning preparing. Not just strategically, but metaphysically.

Evolution points that had been accumulating since Vor'esh now demanded allocation.

Skills that could sell the performance better than any speech, but useful in the long run.

[Evolution Points Available: 110 EVP]

He'd made his choices carefully.

[Sovereign's Imposition - Upgrade to Sovereign's Dominion]

[Cost: 25 EVP]

[Effect: Extends range and potency of demonic aura. Can now affect multiple targets simultaneously with greater intensity. Adds psychological weight that makes resistance feel physically exhausting.]

[Abyssal Plate - Unlock]

[Cost: 8 EVP]

[Effect: Manifests armor of solidified shadow and hellforged energy. Provides protection while emphasizing otherworldly nature.]

[Primordial Authority - Upgrade to Absolute Command]

[Cost: 30 EVP]

[Effect: Commands now work on multiple targets simultaneously. Increased resistance penetration. Can issue complex instructions rather than simple imperatives.]

[Remaining EVP: 47]

The investments settled into his essence like new organs growing into place. Power he could feel thrumming beneath his skin, waiting to be deployed.

"Shall we begin?" Lilith's voice carried across the Grand Hall, cutting through whispered conversations and political posturing.

The assembled demons quieted immediately.

Whether from respect for the Queen or fear of what stood beside her was unclear.

Probably both.

If they were smart, it would be both.

Patriarch Veridia Zarthus stood first, her venomous beauty on full display.

"Your Majesty. Lord Azra. House Zarthus acknowledges the summons and attends as commanded. Though I confess curiosity about the purpose of this... mandatory assembly."

Her emphasis on 'mandatory' carried just enough edge to suggest displeasure without crossing into open disrespect.

"The purpose," Liam said, his voice carrying across the hall without needing to raise it,

"is clarity. The Demon Empire stands at crossroads. We can continue operating as we have—fragmented, politically divided, with military forces answering to multiple authorities—or we can adapt to reality that our enemies don't care about our internal politics."

He stepped forward, and the movement drew every eye in the hall.

"The Radiant Empire is preparing their next offensive. Intelligence suggests they're outsourcing additional powers. Conventional forces are being reorganized and reinforced. Within months, possibly weeks - they will attack with force we cannot counter through defensive posturing."

Lord Arcturus Morwen stood, his economic mind already calculating implications.

"If the Radiant Empire attacks, we defend. As we have for centuries. The Ashard perimeter held under your command, Lord Azra. Surely that proves our defensive capabilities remain adequate?"

"The Ashard perimeter held because I commanded it directly. Because I made decisions without requiring approval from seven different House authorities. Because soldiers knew orders came from single source and obeyed without political calculation."

Liam's grey eyes swept the assembled powers.

"That's not sustainable across the entire empire. We need unified command structure. We need military forces that answer to central authority without hesitation."

"Central authority meaning you." Matriarch Elyndra Vex'thar's voice was carefully neutral, but the implication was clear.

"Central authority meaning the crown and its designated military commander." Lilith's interjection was precise. "Lord Azra has proven his capability to lead demon forces effectively. His victories at Ashard are undeniable. What we're proposing is formalizing that command structure across all imperial forces."

"Proposing," Patriarch Mordain Kraz'gul rumbled, his massive frame tense with barely contained aggression.

"That's diplomatic word for demanding. Let's be honest about what this assembly represents. You're not asking for our input. You're informing us of decision already made and expecting compliance."

"Yes." Liam's blunt confirmation sent ripples through the assembled demons.

"Because time for debate ended when the Radiant Empire retreated. When our intelligence confirmed they're preparing offensive that will overwhelm us if we're not unified in response."

He activated [Sovereign's Dominion], and the pressure in the Grand Hall increased dramatically.

It wasn't crushing yet, but present.

Undeniable. The weight of a thing ancient and terrible reminding every demon present exactly what stood before them.

Several of the lesser House representatives shifted uncomfortably.

The legion commanders—veterans of actual combat—recognized the sensation for what it was: predator establishing dominance.

"The question," Liam continued, his voice carrying that wrong, ancient quality that made demons' instincts scream warnings, "is whether you acknowledge reality willingly or require demonstration. I prefer the former. But I'm prepared for the latter."

Lord Arcturus Morwen cleared his throat carefully.

"Lord Azra, no one questions your power or your effectiveness as military commander. What concerns us is the precedent. House autonomy has existed for centuries.

It's not just political tradition—it's practical necessity. Our territories are vast. Our needs diverse. Central command from Eldhar cannot possibly account for every regional variation and local consideration."

"Then regional commanders report to central authority with recommendations, and central authority makes final decisions." Liam's response was immediate. "That's how functional military hierarchy operates. Not through autonomous powers doing whatever suits their interests while claiming to serve empire."

"You're describing dictatorship," Veridia Zarthus said flatly. "Military authority concentrated in single entity answerable to no one except supposedly the crown."

A Perfect accusation.

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