The weight of his words settles over the chamber.
Cardinal Maria leans back in her seat. “We must ask ourselves what draws such violence to these halls. What presence among us invites chaos? First a mysterious defender who should not be here, then coordinated assassins … all circling one person.”
Astrid’s hand finds mine under the table, squeezing once.
“Whatexactlyare you suggesting, Cardinals?” Isolde asks with dangerous calm.
“We’re suggesting,” Cardinal Maria replies coolly, “that certain magics, particularly untrained and uncontrolled, can attract forces beyond our understanding. Like a beacon in the dark.”
The room erupts into murmurs.
Zevran’s voice cuts through the noise. “With respect, Cardinals, if your guards failedtwicein their own halls, perhaps the problem isn’t Lady Cyra, but your security. Particularly if an exiled lord can move freely through your impenetrable fortress.”
The temperature in the room drops several degrees. Cardinal Benedict’s expression remains neutral, but anger flickers in his eyes.
Isolde speaks up again. “Four coordinated assassins and an exiled lord moving undetected suggest significant planning, resources, and inside knowledge. That level of access points to a failure of leadership, not the actions of someone who’s been attacked twice.”
I feel the room’s energy change. Several House leaders nod slightly. Lord Evander’s drumming fingers still. Even Commander Kaelix sits up straighter.
Isolde meets my eyes briefly, and I see the message there.Follow this thread. Don’t let them make you defensive.
Lady Tavia raises a hand. “Emotions aside, we need data. Who hired the assassins? How did they bypass security? What were their objectives beyond elimination?” She looks directly at Cardinal Benedict.
“That is exactly why,” Cardinal Marcus chimes in, “effective immediately, all House residential wings will undergo temporary audits. Movement restrictions will remain in place until we’ve gathered more information.”
“Audits.” Lord Castor’s voice is flat. “You mean surveillance.”
“We meansecurity,” Cardinal Benedict replies. “For everyone’s protection.”
Lady Nerida speaks for the first time, her voice carrying that otherworldly quality that makes everyone listen. “Fear is a powerful tool, Cardinals. The more terrified we are, the tighter your leash becomes. Consider who benefits most from our division – from our distrust.”
The Cardinals exchange glances. Cardinal Maria’s lips press into a thin line.
“This inquiry is concluded,” Cardinal Benedict announces, his voice tight. “Audits begin tomorrow. All participants are advised to cooperate fully.” His gaze sweeps the room, lingering on me for a moment too long. “Dismissed.”
The House leaders rise slowly, conversations breaking out in low, urgent tones. Astrid’s hand slips from mine as I stand, my legs unsteady. She stays close, her presence a quiet anchor. Ren moves to my other side immediately, positioning herself between me and the crowd.
As we file toward the exit, Zevran falls into step beside us.
“Don’t let them get in your head,” he says quietly, his voice pitched for my ears alone. “The Cardinals are losing ground, and frightened authority is dangerous authority.”
“What should I do?”
“Stay visible. Keep making allies. Show them you’re not a threat – you’re a solution.” His grey eyes meet mine briefly. “And be careful.”
Before I can respond, Isolde intercepts us. She doesn’t stop walking, just matches our pace as we move through the corridor.
“Well handled,” she says quietly, her voice carrying only to our small group. “You didn’t take the bait.”
“Thanks to you,” I reply.
“Remember that strategy going forward.” She glances at me, dark eyes sharp. “They’ll keep trying to make you defensive, to make you apologize for existing. Don’t. Turn every accusation into a question about their failures instead.”
Astrid watches this exchange with interest, her watchful gaze moving between Isolde and me.
“The third trial is in two days’ time,” Isolde continues. “My intelligence networks have informed me that it isn’t what they’re claiming it to be. They’re not testing our ability to govern collectively – they’re creating conditions designed to ensure we fail.”
My stomach drops. “What do you mean?”
