(Zulan’s POV)
The council chamber carried tension before anyone spoke.
It sat in the air, quiet but present, built from weeks of reports that didn’t align with normal rogue behavior. Zulan stood at the head of the table, his posture relaxed in appearance only, his attention fixed on the councilors gathered before him. Kael stood at his right, silent as always, while the rest of the room waited.
“The situation along the southern border is already being handled,” Zulan said, his voice even, controlled. “There’s no need for escalation at this time.”
One of the councilors frowned immediately. “Handled?”
Zulan didn’t shift. “Yes.”
“With what force?” another pressed.
Zulan’s gaze moved across them briefly before answering. “My Gamma and two guards.”
Silence followed. Then—
“…Three?” the
