Nathaniel breathed out slowly once the Council doors shut. It felt like a ten-year burden lifted from his back.
But Sienna didn’t feel relief. Not entirely.
The vote had gone their way, but Ezra’s smile was unnerving. It was a sharp, tight look, as if he was already planning revenge.
As Thalia left the Council hall with Myles and the others, her heels tapped a rhythm that felt too forced.
Sienna followed Nathaniel, her fingers touching the stone walls that felt cold and unforgiving.
Just like the memory pressing on her chest. Jaxon.
The pain intensified after the Council's ruling.
It felt as though an internal wound had opened. It bled slowly, a constant, steady trickle.
She felt time constricting, like a snare around her neck.
Back in the Council healing room, the tension wa
