Kael didn't sleep that night.
He sat by the fire long after the others had gone, Darrek's confession turning in his mind like a slow knife. It wasn't just the betrayal—it was how easily it could've spread.
Ayara didn't need armies.
She just needed ears.
And now he couldn't tell who was truly loyal and who was simply… tired.
By morning, frost clung to the council ring. The empty chairs looked more accusing than vacant. Kael stepped into the circle and stared at each one, memorizing who had spoken up last, who had stayed silent, and who might be watching from the shadows.
When Darius and Sienna returned at dusk, snow trailing off their cloaks, Kael saw it in their faces—the weight of whatever the Seer had said.
Sienna placed Liora into his arms gently. The pup curled against his chest, warm and breathing softly. But Kael barely felt it. He looked at Sienna. "What did she say?"
