Morning arrived without warmth.
A heavy stillness clung to Blackclaw, as if the entire compound was holding its breath. Word had spread quickly—about the ambush, about the prisoners, about the truth none of them could ignore anymore.
There was a traitor.
And now everyone was waiting to see who would fall.
Selene stood at the edge of the council chamber doors, her hand resting lightly against the cold stone. For a moment, she didn't move.
Silas stood beside her.
"You're certain?" he asked quietly.
Selene didn't look at him.
"No," she said honestly. "But I'm close."
Silas studied her profile.
"That's enough."
Selene exhaled slowly.
"Today decides everything."
She pushed the doors open.
The council was already gathered.
Seven elders sat in their usual semicircle, their expressions ranging from calm to guarded to openly irritated.
The former Luna sat at the center.
As always.
