**Scene: Neutral Pov The War Room – Night Before the Blood Moon**
The hall was quieter than usual.
Not because it was empty—it was far from it. The warriors of Julian’s side had gathered, shoulder to shoulder, boots muddy, cloaks damp from the mist outside. But no one spoke above a murmur. The kind of quiet that meant everyone was listening.
Julian stood at the front of the old stone room, one hand resting on the edge of the long table, fingers curled into the wood like it might steady him.
To his left stood his mother, **Vivianne**—still and regal, her presence commanding even in silence. And just behind them, a little off-center, **Aiden**, his uncle. Stoic. Watching everything.
Julian cleared his throat, trying to ease the dryness that had crept in during the long walk up the mount
