Sunlight filtered in through wide, stained glass windows. Washing the room in vibrant arrays of reds, golds and greens. Gilded vines curled around massive marble columns and thick, wooden desk rested along the walls. Filled with as many papers, books and ink pots they could hold.<br/><br/>Zara’s leaned against one of the pillars. Blades at her sides and more hidden from view. A crimson cape hung around her shoulders and the red silken veil fell loose around her neck. Minutes ticked into hours as she waited, having been called by the judge himself. She scored her fingers through jet black locks, scowling before crossing her arms.<br/><br/>When it came to waiting, Zara never did well. She itched to get moving. Three days ago, she’d received a letter urging her to come to Suvar. The “<i>Land on the Edge of the World.</i>” Or so people liked to call it. The city rested on the edge of the Northern Forest and the Southern Desert with only the Blue Sky peak and accompanying mountains to separate them. The locals weren’t witty when it came to naming landmarks.<br/><br/>But something else lingered in this land between. While known for its struggling climate, Suvar was also home to creatures of the night. Occultists who, by day, lingered among the crowds like any other. And, at night? Well, those creatures of shadows took a grotesque and horrifying turn. Claiming souls unable to depart and using them for gods-knew what rituals. Everyone heard the whispered rumors, but none dared breathe a word. And now there was a new judge. New to the district, but not to Zara herself.<br/><br/><i>Fantastic.</i>She rolled her eyes as the gilded wooden doors open. The fine filigree glistening in the light. She straightened, head held high as two men gestured for her to follow. Her boots clacked against the smooth tile floors, and she gave the man a sharp, green-eyed glare when he gave her a once over. Lingering on the scar pink against her rich, sepia-toned skin—the mark carved from cheek to beneath her jaw.<br/><br/>Her cape fluttered behind her as she entered the court room. Rather, what she assumed was the court room. Dozens and dozens of chairs sat in perfect rows with more situated on a platform to the right. A podium stood at the far end of the room as a focal point. Overhead, an elaborately woven tapestry hung, sporting Suvar’s emblem. But it was the man behind the stand who drew her attention.<br/><br/>“Already having trouble,<i>judge,</i>” Zara mused, one hand on her cocked hip. She rose an arched brow at the man. “And here I thought you’d not have issue this early in your judiciary period.”<br/><br/>The man went red in the face, but said nothing as a woman offered her a folder. Zara flipped it open, eyes skimming the reports. A testimony of a man named Jahad. Detailed remarks of the bodies. A constable’s findings as well as the coroner’s. And, not to Zara’s surprise, a separate entry ten pages thick about how<i>occult</i>the whole thing seemed. She snapped the folder shut, looking to the judge.<br/><br/>“It seems like you’ve got this all worked out pretty clean.” She held the paperwork out until the woman from before took it. Zara’s hand returned to her hip, lips pursed. “It doesn’t look like you’re seeking to have anyone killed. So, what do you need<i>me</i>for?”<br/>