Nathan's perspective

The council meeting hall was a cold, quiet place, filled with the solemn weight of expectation. Everyone was waiting for me. Their gazes, a mix of fear and respect, followed me as I walked to my seat. Jackson was already there, a silent, unbothered presence, a small, knowing smirk playing on his lips. I sat down, my body a stiff, silent presence, and the meeting began.

My eyes moved across the room, my gaze searching for a sign, a clue, anything. I saw Elena, her face a ...