Kael’s POV

The summons arrived sealed in silver and flame. I didn’t open it. I didn’t need to. I already knew what it said. The Pact Gathering was scheduled over three nights. And Mira was expected. So were we. So was the end.

I held the seal in my hand as the council chamber quieted. The Elders didn’t speak first. They waited for me. They always did now. That was the problem.

“They’re calling the third flare,” I said.

Elder Varis didn’t flinch. “We anticipated ...