"Demons masquerading as immortals."

Dustin's declaration landed like a thunderclap in the opulent yet eerie halls of Elysium Immortal Palace.

The moment those words fell, the temperature in the entire hall seemed to plummet to freezing. Even the spiritual energy rising from the wine pool solidified for an instant.

The men and women indulging in pleasures fell silent as if an invisible hand had clamped their throats. They shrank back in terror, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Lysander's fingers froze on the strings of his lap harp, while Valindra's seductive smile vanished, replaced by a mask of cold disdain.

Even Malthor, who had been languid and indifferent, finally showed a flicker of distinct anger in his deep-set eyes. The struggles of mere ants might amuse him, but their scorn and defiance were an affront to his authority.

"Insolent fools!" Talmor snapped first, throwing his wine glass to the ground. It shattered instantly, sending wine splashing everywhere.

He sprang