The probation period officially started on a Monday morning that felt too ordinary for something so momentous.
I stood in the ruins of the Silverpaw estate, watching construction crews swarm over the grounds like organized ants. The smell of fresh lumber and stone dust filled the air. Around me, Caden, Ezra, and Damon formed a protective half-circle while Thorne reviewed schedules on his tablet.
"The coastal territory transfer begins today," Thorne said. "Morgana is required to provide full financial records and administrative access by noon. If she refuses or delays, we can petition the Council for immediate removal."
"She won't refuse outright." Damon sipped coffee from a thermos, looking annoyingly awake for six AM. "She'll comply with the letter of the law while making everything as
