Chapter 5769

Long after, the altar still resembled a storm-stilled sea of bowed backs.

The indelible stamp of golden-dragon dominance had branded itself onto every beast-soul present.

Doubt, disdain, and resentment were ash now-replaced by awe born of blood, and by the sweet certainty of serving an unquestioned sovereign.

At a mere flicker of Jared’s will, the pressure of the dragon’s power folded itself neatly back into his flesh. Behind him, the towering golden apparition shivered once, then unraveled into motes of light that bled into the twilight air.

He still wore that plain robe, his expression placid, yet to every soul present, he now stood on the far shore of divinity.

“All of you-stand.” The words left Jared’s lips in an unhurried baritone, gentle yet edged with an authority that brooked no argument.

Relieved, the gathered elders and disciples rose with utmost care, backs still bent, eyes lowered, unwilling to meet Jared’s gaze head-on.