*Saoirse*

The air in the council chamber was heavy, weighed down by the scent of burned timber and smoke still lingering from the battle against Pyroth and his army. Charts and maps were strewn across the grand table, marked off with figurines representing potential moves and tentative plans. Rhys stood at my side, his presence both a comfort and a reminder of the threats lurking beyond our borders. He ran a hand through his hair before resting it on my lower back. I ...