The enclave's leaders convened for the first time since the war began.
They argued fiercely.
Some demanded Kael unleash himself fully feed, ascend, become a weapon.
Others feared that moment more than annihilation.
Kael listened in silence.
When asked to speak, he stood slowly, feeling the ache of lost power in every movement.
"If I consume without restraint," he said, voice steady, "I will win battles faster. And lose the war that matters."
"What war?" someone snapped.
Kael met their gaze. "The war for what remains of us."
Silence followed.
The council did not agree, but they deferred.
Not because they trusted him.
But because there was no one else.