“And in exchange,” Valdris continues with obvious satisfaction, “we’re prepared to consider offering her a sixth seat. Full Council membership, assuming everything proceeds smoothly.”
A trap disguised as an honor. Give us what we want first, and maybe we’ll reward you later.
“Elementals and Seers will have unrestricted access,” Marcus counts off. “Shifters as well, provided they demonstrate adequate control. Mentalists require pre-approval—standard for advanced magical workings.”
He pauses, and I know what’s coming.
“Feeders, however, will be prohibited entirely.”
The world tilts.
“Prohibited?” I keep my voice level.
“Completely,” Valdris confirms. “The research is clear—Feeder participation creates dangerous imbalances. Too much potential for exploitation.”
“Those who attempt unauthorized participation,” Marcus continues with clinical precision, “will face binding. Magic stripped, feeding capabilities severed.”
Binding. Slow starvation. Death.
“You’re condemning them,” I say quietly.
“We’re protecting the magical community,” Marcus corrects. “Feeders have always struggled with control. This removes the temptation.”
“How thoughtful,” I murmur.
Valdris’s flames flicker higher. “We knew you’d understand. After all, you’ve been monitoring her progress. You know better than anyone how dangerous unchecked power can be.”
“The growing refugee population at her sanctuary,” Nyx adds with pointed emphasis, “demonstrates her influence continues to expand. Better to work with that reality than against it.”
The pragmatism of it sits in my stomach like poison.
Because that’s exactly what the imposter has given them over the last few weeks. Compliance disguised as strength. A Source who plays by their rules instead of challenging their authority.
Everything Bree would never have accepted.
“When does this take effect?” I ask.
“Once we’ve inspected the chamber and confirmed access,” Marcus says. “The announcement will be made after we’ve verified everything is in working order.”
“How thoughtful,” I murmur.
The timeline gives me something to work with. Not much, but something.
“Phil has been exceedingly pleased with the progress,” Nyx adds with a razor smile. “Especially since that incident at the sanctuary. He says she’s been far more… cooperative since then.”
My stomach clenches. Phil reporting back on Bree’s behavior. Watching. Evaluating. It’s disgusting.
“Cooperative,” I repeat carefully.
“Precisely,” Marcus says with satisfaction. “No more erratic outbursts. No more dangerous surges. She’s learned to channel her power appropriately.”
“There is one more thing,” Eris says suddenly, her voice hollow and distant. All conversation stops. When the Seer speaks during Council meetings, we listen.
“Change comes,” she continues, silver eyes unfocused. “Not the change we planned. Not the change we seek. The girl… there are two paths before her. One leads to the throne we would build. The other…”
She trails off, blinking slowly.
“The other?” Valdris prompts.
