The conference room in Ottawa was supposed to represent unity. The flags of Canada, the United States, and Mexico stood together at the head of the table, a symbol of the North American Supernatural Alliance forged in the fires of the Silver Claw war. Now, the room felt like a morgue, and the flags were about to be taken down.
Aria sat across from Prime Minister Alistair Reid and Presidenta Isabella Flores. Kai was a solid, silent presence at her side, but his stillness felt more like that of a predator poised to strike. The Canadian and Mexican leaders wouldn't meet their eyes.
"This is not a repudiation of the work we have done together," Prime Minister Reid began, his voice carefully modulated, his fingers steepled on the polished table. A light snow fell outside the window, blurring the Parliament buildings. "The progress made under your leadership, Aria, has been… remarkable."
