The Grand Hall of the Gods, a massive chamber carved from the very fabric of the heavens, loomed overhead with its ceiling of swirling stars and clouds. The round table, forged from celestial stone, shimmered with divine energy, its surface etched with ancient runes and glowing softly with the combined power of the deities who sat around it.

Gods and goddesses of all realms and domains sat in their respective seats, their expressions a mixture of intrigue, wariness, and disdain as the heavy double doors swung open with a resounding boom. The atmosphere, already tense, seemed to vibrate as Kael'Tharon, the God of War, strode into the room.

His imposing figure cast a long shadow across the chamber, his golden eyes gleaming beneath his wild mane of red hair. His presence was like a storm, radiating power and chaos with each step. As he approached the table, a low murmur spread among the seated gods. Some shifted uncomfortably, while others, more accustomed to his arrogance, simply watched with steely gazes.

Kael'Tharon’s lips curled into a smirk as he stopped at his seat—an empty throne of obsidian, its surface etched with the marks of a thousand battles. Without waiting for permission or pleasantries, he slammed a gauntleted hand down on the table, causing the stone to groan under the force.

“I see the cowards have all gathered,” Kael'Tharon growled, his voice a deep, rumbling snarl that echoed through the hall. His eyes flickered over each god in turn, settling finally on the All-Father, who sat at the head of the table, his expression as unreadable as ever. “What’s this meeting about? More talk of peace, I assume?”

The tension in the room thickened. The Goddess of Wisdom, seated to Kael'Tharon’s right, narrowed her eyes. "This council," she began, her tone sharp and measured, "is to discuss the growing instability among the realms. Your... conquests are threatening the balance, Kael’Tharon."

Kael’Tharon let out a low chuckle, his fingers drumming against the table. "Balance?”