Director Malthorn stood in the Continental Intelligence Council's war room, staring at intelligence reports that painted a picture he really didn't want to believe.
The massive crystalline display showed connections spreading across the continent like a spider's web—Light Guardian facilities, resource networks, and now, most troubling of all, partnership with Celestial Harmony Academy.
"How the hell did we miss this?" he muttered, running a hand through graying hair that had seen too many sleepless nights lately.
Senior Analyst Rebecca Thornfield cleared her throat diplomatically. She'd been the one to piece together the intelligence that was giving everyone headaches.
"Sir, the partnership was established with remarkable discretion. No official announcements, no diplomatic channels, no family negotiations. One day the academy was operating normally, the next they had access to resources that exceed most family treasuries."
