Chapter 39 – The Council’s Shadow
The words "Return the Phoenix" echoed through the subterranean cavern, heavy and suffocating. The gold light pulsing beneath Aria’s skin flickered violently before dying out, leaving her in the cold, blue shadow of the enchanted braziers.
Lucien didn't move. He stood like a statue carved from winter ice, his jaw clamped so tight a muscle ticked in his cheek. The singed fabric of his sleeve still drifted with a faint wisp of smoke, a stark reminder of the volatile magic Aria had just unleashed.
"Malakor," Lucien said, the name leaving his lips like a curse. His crimson eyes shifted back to their piercing, cold silver as he looked at Zara. "How many council members were with him when he read the message?"
"Three of the elder lords, Your Highness," Zara r
