Aaron’s POV

My phone buzzed while I sat in the office, staring at the gray sky outside. The year-end election loomed, and the elders’ support had eased some tension, but Lucas’s shadow still hung like a storm cloud. I knew his game—he always needed control, wanted me as his puppet? Dream on!

The message popped up—from Clara: *Aaron, I’m in the hospital. My old lung issue’s flaring up. Breathing’s so hard. The doctor says I need rest. Can you come see me? Please.*

I rubbed ...