Silence fell.
Kieran’s fingers tapped once against the table. Kael’s gaze flickered to him, but he remained still.
Emilia scoffed. “You’re joking.”
“Does it look like I’m joking?” Tobias shot back.
The murmurs grew louder.
For the first time, Kieran smiled.
It was slow, dangerous.
“You’re saying that if I remove a corrupt Luna,” he said smoothly, “I should lose my own position?”
Tobias didn’t waver. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Kieran chuckled. “You forget something, Tobias.”
Tobias raised an eyebrow.
Kieran’s voice was low, calm. “I am not the one who let maids be beaten under my rule.”
A few of the elders shifted uncomfortably.
Izzy clenched her fists. “You’re twisting—”
“Izzy,” Kieran cut in, “did or did you not allow Liz to be harmed?”
Izzy’s mouth opened—then close
