"Failure to secure the sacred relic? You allowed mere mortals to outwit you? Incompetents! Weaklings! You disgrace our kind!"

Valandra Nyx'shade's voice echoed through the cavernous hall, the ancient stone walls reverberating with her fury. The air crackled with latent magical energy, amplifying her imposing presence as she stood before a cowering group of Drow warriors.

"Remove them! Send these failures to the Shadow Mines. Let them toil in darkness for their cowardice. Out of my sight!"

With a dismissive wave of her hand, the defeated warriors were quickly escorted away, their heads bowed in shame. Valandra took a deep breath, her anger simmering down as she turned her attention back to the grand chamber. She reached for a crystal goblet filled with a shimmering elixir, taking a slow, calming sip.

"Alura."

She called out, her voice steady but laced with residual irritation, as she rang a small, ornate bell. An attendant hurried forward, bowing deeply.

"Bring me my champion. I require his presence immediately."