The raven slammed onto the pavilion's stone ledge at first light. Its message tube clattered open under Atlas's fingers. Varyn's seal glared back at him in black wax.
"Shadow-tainted birth," the proclamation read. "The heir carries corruption. The regency council convenes at once. I claim protector status until the threat is judged."
Atlas crumpled the parchment. Bren must have talked before he died or while he was bleeding out. The leak had happened.
Inside, Elizabeth lay propped against pillows, face pale as milk. The newborn rested on her chest, tiny veins pulsing silver-blue under translucent skin. When the baby stirred, faint shadows flickered across her arms like oil on water.
"Clara's demanding the child again," Atlas said.
Elizabeth's eyes hardened. "She doesn't touch Selene. Not after what she did during the birth."
