Chapter Twenty-Three – Echoes Before the Storm
Christa’s P.O.V.
The Alpha House had finally grown quiet.
After days of Council meetings, debates, and endless political maneuvering, DeL Sol was beginning to breathe again.
Servants stripped the Great Hall of banners and polished silver.
The Council chambers were locked.
Guest suites emptied one by one.
For the first time in nearly a week…
It felt like home.
Almost.
I stood on the balcony overlooking the eastern courtyard, watching warriors resume their normal patrols.
Behind me, the office door opened.
I didn’t have to turn around.
“I know those footsteps.”
Carlos chuckled.
“I’d be worried if you didn’t.”
He stepped beside me, dressed more casually than I’d seen him in days, his suit jacket slung over one shoulder.
For sever
