Chapter 166

Viona's POV

Next day

The fire in the council chamber crackled faintly, but it did little to warm the chill that swept through the hall. The warriors' miraculous return had left everyone unsettled. Relief lingered in the air, yes, but it tangled with suspicion, with dread.

And then Mirage spoke.

"I did not summon this council merely to return your warriors," he said, his tone smooth, calm, but weighted with something heavier than the stone walls surrounding us. His gaze swept ...