[color=lightgray][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/TWooo1k.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/p8ZaP9K.png[/img]
[url=https://roses-and-daggers.fandom.com/wiki/The_Black_Rose]The Black Rose Wiki[/url]
[h2][color=9e0b0f]Part 1[/color][/h2][/center]

[color=9e0b0f]Time:[/color] Later on... 10pm 
[color=9e0b0f]Location:[/color] Meeting room in a mansion in unknown location in woods

[hr]

The grand meeting room of the Black Rose's hidden mansion was dimly lit, the flickering glow of candles casting long shadows against the walls. The heavy wooden table stretched the room's length, its surface gleaming under the low light. At its head sat Marek Delronzo, his dark eyes sharp as he surveyed the room. 

The entrance to the room was heavily guarded, with only the most trusted members allowed to pass through its heavy, iron-bound doors. First to enter traditionally were the Underbosses; known as the Rooks. In essence, the Rooks acted as Marek’s most trusted lieutenants, executing his will and ensuring his plan continued in motion.

The two of them were to sit at the seats closest to Marek, flanking him as per usual. [url=https://roses-and-daggers.fandom.com/wiki/Marciano_Giordano]Marciano Giordano[/url], his expression respectful and composed, reached the head of the table, bowing slightly before kissing the back of Marek's hand. Without a word, he took his seat beside Marek, his presence exuding a quiet authority.

With his salt-and-pepper hair neatly cropped and a well-groomed beard, it was easy to tell Marciano was a meticulous man. His dark skin contrasted elegantly with the rich, deep hues of his tailored suit. Despite his composed exterior, there was an underlying edge to him, a sense of restrained power that warned others to tread carefully in his presence.

Next to enter was the Bishop, [url=https://roses-and-daggers.fandom.com/wiki/Mr._Solomon]Mr. Solomon[/url], whose first name was unknown to most. His role as the consigliere was to provide strategic counsel and guidance.

He entered the room, his presence immediately commanding attention. It was not through any overt display of power, but through the sheer weight of his silence. His stark features were framed by hair the color of winter frost. His dark eyes held an almost predatory calm as if they could see through every mask worn by those around him.

Clad in a black suit, devoid of any unnecessary embellishment, Mr. Solomon’s appearance was simple. The absence of color in his attire only served to amplify the intensity of his presence. His demeanor was one of cold, calculated control. His gaze swept across the room, every detail noted and stored away for future use. When he finally took his place at the table, there was no fanfare.

Next were the available Knights, also known as the Capos. There were about four operating in Sorian who could attend.  They were responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations within their assigned territories or groups. Knights reported directly to the Rooks. 

[url=https://roses-and-daggers.fandom.com/wiki/Alejandro_Serrano]Alejandro Serrano[/url] entered the grand meeting room with a palpable presence. Dressed in a sharply tailored luxurious suit, his silver-streaked hair and piercing eyes contrasted against the flickering candlelight. The room seemed to darken around him, his aura exuding a cold, ruthless energy that left little doubt about his capacity for cruelty. He roughly pulled out the chair and sat in it without much grace. 

Next, [url=https://roses-and-daggers.fandom.com/wiki/Seraphina_Duval]Seraphina Duval[/url] stepped into the dimly lit room silently yet gracefully. Clad in a tailored black gown with intricate golden embroidery, she exuded an air of elegance. She was undeniably beautiful with rich dark skin and enchanting eyes. However, those in that room always knew that under that appearance was a dangerously smart woman. There was an underlying tension in her posture even as she sat down. 

The third Knight [url=https://roses-and-daggers.fandom.com/wiki/Thomas_La%27Blanc]Thomas La’Blanc[/url] strode in with a pep in his step, his golden curls bouncing with him. His smile was as bright as ever even as he looked around the room. He knew better than to speak during the entrance process, so he presented everyone with a friendly wave.

With a theatrical flourish, Thomas made his way to his seat, flashing a friendly nod to each person he passed. He moved with an air of confidence as if he were attending a simple social event rather than a gathering of some of the most dangerous figures in Sorian. His demeanor was so warm and inviting that it was easy to forget the darkness that lurked beneath the surface. Thomas took his seat with a satisfied sigh, leaning back comfortably, his smile never wavering for a second.

The last, the youngest and the newest Knight, [url=https://roses-and-daggers.fandom.com/wiki/Felix_Ivanov]Felix Ivanov[/url] lastly stepped into the grand meeting room. His presence was met with barely concealed disdain from some of the older members seated around the table. Dressed impeccably in a turtle neck as always, he had a youthful look with full eyelashes and sharp features. As he took his seat, the tension in the room thickened. Many believed that his rapid rise to Knight was due to favoritism. Despite the weight of their eyes on him, Felix’s expression remained unreadable, his composure unshaken. Their opinions mattered little. He had earned his place.

Select elite soldiers, often nicknamed the Swords, were then allowed to enter the room, including known killing machine [url=https://roses-and-daggers.fandom.com/wiki/Yuka_Hanami]Yuka Hanami[/url], the talented Kira Mapenzi,  and the white-eyed [url=https://roses-and-daggers.fandom.com/wiki/Zane_Rose]Zane Rose[/url]. 

Marek remained silent as the last of his trusted members took their seats. His hands, clad in black gloves, rested on the arms of his chair. The room was still, the only sound was the soft crackle of the fire in the hearth and the occasional shifting of a chair as someone adjusted their position.

A moment passed, then another, before Marek finally leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he spoke in a voice that was commanding, [i][color=9e0b0f]“We begin.”[/color][/i][/color]