Dawn hit Aetherion like a blade dipped in ice.
Cold.
Sharp.
Unforgiving.
The Council chambers loomed above the courtyard — tall gray pillars, banners hanging motionless in the early light. Students were already whispering before Coren even stepped into view.
Mira walked beside him, arms wrapped around herself, muttering prayers in at least three languages. Atrius flanked his other side, jaw locked tight.
"You remember the rules," Atrius said quietly as they approached the stairs. "Minimal speech. No explanations. No volunteering anything."
Coren nodded once.
Valenna pressed into him like a cool hand at the back of his mind.
Stay still. Let them drown in their own guesses.
The doors opened without a sound.
Inside, the chamber was circular — six stone seats arranged in a ring, each occupied by a Council member. Their expressions were uniformly unreadable. Not hostile. Not welcoming.
Assessing.
