Sera's POV
The war council gathered at dawn.
I'd barely slept the night before—none of us had. The weight of what was coming pressed down on everyone, heavy as the mountain itself. But when I walked into the council chamber, I found them already there. Every leader who mattered.
Draven sat at the head of the stone table, his golden eyes sharp despite his exhaustion. Sorin stood at his right hand, ancient and grim, maps spread before him. Lyra commanded the space near the door, her arms crossed, her warrior's body coiled with readiness. Caelan stood quietly in the corner, golden hair catching the torchlight, his expression calm and focused—always the steady one, the gentle one, the one who held everyone together.
Lady Elara had arrived during the night. She sat across from Draven, her v
