The Council's summons arrived three weeks after the Shadow Alpha's departure.
Not a request. A summons. Delivered by armed messengers who made it clear refusal wasn't an option.
"They want you in the capital," Tarek said, reading the official document. "To answer for your actions against the Shadow Alpha and your unauthorized alliance with the Fire Prince."
"Unauthorized." Reign laughed without humor. "I was exiled. What authority do they have over me?"
"Apparently they think surviving makes you their problem again." The Fire Prince lounged against the wall, unimpressed. "They're scared. You proved exiles can build power. That threatens everything they stand for."
"So they'll try to control me or kill me."
"Probably both."
Reign studied the summons. The capital was two weeks journey
