We dragged Dante’s unconscious body into the council hall like a warning they never asked for. Paxton gripped one arm. I took the other. Dante’s blood left a dark smear across the marble floor, and I made sure every elder saw it. Let them choke on the proof of what they failed to stop.

Carlota walked behind us, calm, silent, terrifying. The elders didn't rush to her. They didn't even look at Dante for long. Their horror isn’t for the attack or the dead guards or the blood soaking into ...