Chapter 87

Victoria The council chamber had been prepared with astonishing speed—Lilith’s doing, no doubt. She had a way of understanding what the Elders respected most: simplicity edged with authority. The space was stripped of unnecessary ornament, yet carried a gravity that pressed down on anyone who entered. Heavy oak chairs flanked a stone table polished to a muted sheen, banners of the four territories hanging with austere pride. I let my gaze sweep over the room and felt a flicker of reluctant admiration. Trust Lilith to capture the Council’s taste so perfectly. Simple, but solemn. No distraction, no weakness. Just tradition carved into stone and wood. She never misses the mark, I thought, silently grateful to have someone with such foresight on our side. My fingers brushed Leo’s as we walked to the front. The touch was brief, nearly invisible to the elders waiting for us, but it steadied the frantic beat of my heart. I sat beside him, spine straight despite the weight of a dozen sharp gaz