Almost to herself.
But I hear it.
We all do.
The sun clears the wall completely now, flooding the courtyard with full morning light. The daisies at the gate bloom brighter, spreading through cracks in the stone.
And for the first time in longer than I can remember, I think maybe we’re not just surviving the fire.
Maybe we’re becoming it.
Chapter 39
Bree
The courtyard settles into quiet murmurs as we approach the sanctuary doors.
Scarred, blackened at the edges—like something tried to burn through from the inside.
The doors swing open before we reach them.
Three Feeders step out—exhausted, wary, but unarmed. They glance at me, then at the freed crowd still touching their throats, still testing their freedom.
One bows his head. The others follow.
“Thank you,” I say quietly. “For staying.”
The oldest one—gray-haired, face lined with years I can’t count—meets my eyes. “What would you like us to do… the ones who are staying?”
I smile, though it feels fragile. “Whatever you want. Rest. Eat. Take the Oath, if you wish.”
I hesitate, the next words harder to say. “Please pass along that we believe the Counsel will be here in a few days. I understand if some choose to leave before then.”
His eyes flicker—gratitude mixed with relief. He nods once, then turns back toward the courtyard to relay the message.
I watch him go, the weight of leadership settling over my shoulders again. But softer this time.
They’re not following orders.
They’re choosing.
Rhett’s hand finds the small of my back, steadying. “Ready?”
I nod, even though I’m not sure.
We move toward the open doors—all of us together. Riley hangs back with Zira, still uncertain of her place.
The moment I step inside, I stop.
The hall is wrong.
Obsidian walls stretch before us, black and polished like glass. Silver flame flickers in sconces that weren’t there before, casting shadows that move wrong. The floor is smooth stone—dark, endless, reflecting nothing.
Just like the Void.
Just like his chamber.
My chest locks. I can’t breathe.
