“The city wants answers.”

The words fell into the council chamber like a measured strike.

Councilor Teyr Lin stood near the tall windows, hands clasped behind his back, gazing out over Varenth as if it were a map only he could read. Morning light cut across the floor in pale bands, illuminating dust that had not yet settled since the fire—fine gray reminders that the city’s recent choices still clung to everything.

Kaelith Veyra did not look at him. “The city always wants ...