Word of Kaen's betrayal spread like wildfire through Terravahl.
The Council sealed the eastern wing of the palace. The Elders gathered in tight clusters, speaking in low tones. Guards doubled at every gate. No one dared say Kaen's name aloud—but every face carried the weight of the truth.
The trusted Wind wielder was a traitor.
Sophia stood before the Elders that morning, her face bruised but unbowed. The Crown hovered silently above her palm, its six-elemental glow pulsing faintly.
"I want answers," she said. "All of them."
Elder Maelin's lips thinned. "You've endangered yourself by venturing into forbidden ground."
"I saved myself," Sophia shot back. "And uncovered the truth you all kept hidden."
The chamber fell into silence.
Noah stepped forward. "Kaen wasn't working alone. He
