Council Hall, Nightshade Fortress
Lucien entered first. His steps were steady, his cloak trailing behind him, but his jaw was tight.
Nyla followed, her expression unreadable, while Reid already stood waiting near the long table at the center of the hall.
Across from them sat three figures. Nicholas Will, oldest of the council, scarred across his cheek.
Beside him lounged Oliver, young, handsome, and arrogance dripping from his every glance. He sat half-turned in his chair, bored and restless, as though the council meeting was beneath him.
Soraya Drew sat opposite them, her posture calm, her dark eyes sharp and calculating. She leaned on one hand, listening, saying nothing yet.
The tension was thick before a word was spoken.
Nicholas slammed his hand against the table.
“She must
