The council chamber had not yet cooled from last night’s debate when Alfred called for a full assembly at dawn. Warriors, elders, and families filled the courtyard, the air sharp with unease. The sky was the color of iron, as if even the heavens braced for conflict.

Bella stood beside Alfred on the raised stone platform. Her palms were damp, her chest tight, but her gaze did not falter. The whispers had grown louder since the council’s “non-verdict.” Fear was spreading. And now they ...