“My informant wasn’t able to get any specific details,” her voice is controlled but fury simmers underneath. “All I know is, they want us divided, fighting among ourselves, so they can step in and claim we’re unfit for self-governance.”
The implications crash over me. “So we know for certain that they’re sabotaging the Conclave.”
“They’ve been losing authority for years now. The Houses have grown independent, resistant to Cardinal oversight.” We slow our pace, keeping our voices loud enough for only our ears. “This Conclave was supposed to restore order under their guidance. But if we actually unite and choose a leader without needing them, they lose what little power they have left.”
“So they’re manufacturing our failure,” I say quietly.
“Precisely.” Isolde turns back to us. “We don’t know how, exactly … but the key is recognizing their trap before you step into it.”
“Will anyone believe us, if we accuse the Cardinals of this?”
Isolde goes quiet for a moment. “There is one house leader who will believe us.”
The thought hits me immediately.
Commander Kaelix.
Isolde sees the realization on my face and nods. “Kaelix has been pushing against Cardinal authority longer than any of us. If they agree to work with you, they’ll be your strongest ally.”
“And your most radical one,” Astrid adds carefully.
“Perhaps,” Isolde concedes. “But radical might be exactly what we need right now. The Cardinals are counting on us being too cautious, too concerned with propriety to challenge their framework directly. Commander Kaelix has no such inhibitions.”
I stand, energy flooding through me despite the exhaustion. This is it. The opportunity I’ve been waiting for – a chance to prove the system itself is broken, not just corrupt but fundamentally designed to maintain the Cardinals’ control.
“How do I approach them without it looking suspicious?” I ask. “This lockdown will make private meetings nearly impossible.”
“The staging area before the trial,” Isolde says. “There will be chaos, last-minute preparations. Use that cover. Pull Kaelix aside for what looks like a strategic discussion.”
“And if they don’t believe me?”
“They will.” Isolde’s smile is sharp. “Because Commander Kaelix has always known the Cardinals were the problem.”
The morning of the third trial arrives swiftly.
After a brief healing session with Zevran, Ren escorts us through corridors still under lockdown, guards watching us pass with careful attention.
I reach into my pocket and feel the Mercury token given to me by Lady Tavia, cool and smooth against my fingertips. The Jupiter medallion rests beside it, heavier and rough at the edges. At the start of this Conclave, I had nothing. No allies. No team. Just the weight of my father’s legacy, a missing mother, and an addiction I couldn’t control.
Now I have alliances, friends, support – and these tokens in my pocket to remind me of that.
We reach the staging area outside the holding chamber with thirty minutes to spare. Other House leaders are already arriving, the usual pre-trial nervous energy amplified by the interrogation and continued restrictions.
This is my window.
I spot Commander Kaelix near the far wall, their electric blue eyes tracking the room’s movements with calculating precision. I cross the staging area with deliberate casualness, as if I’m simply making the rounds before the trial. Several other leaders nod in greeting. Lady Tavia offers a tight smile. Lord Evander is deep in conversation with his aides.
Commander Kaelix watches me approach with wary curiosity.
“Commander,” I say quietly. “May I have a moment?”
They study me for a long beat, then gesture to a recessed alcoveaway from the main crowd. We move there together, close enough for private conversation but still visible to anyone watching.
I don’t waste time with diplomacy. “The Cardinals are planning to sabotage the trial.”
That gets their attention. Their eyes sharpen, body language shifting from casual to alert. “Explain.”
I keep my voice low. “They want us fighting amongst ourselves so they can claim we’re unfit to govern without their oversight.”
