Mira’s POV

The council summoned me before noon. Word spread that Seraphine had “evidence” of my dealings with a rogue healer.

Seraphina stood beside Elder Joran, holding sealed papers as if she carried a verdict. She smiled faintly. “Before we begin, I’d like to present these,” she said. “Letters written by Mira to an exiled healer named Lathen.” The name landed like a spark on dry wood.

Elder Kira frowned. “Lathen vanished years ago. No one speaks his name without cause.” ...