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"I'll prove myself worthy of you."

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

We slipped outof Stormshire in our spectre forms. Laryk's careful orchestration of the Guard's movements created the perfect cover for our escape—patrols strategically positioned just far enough apart to leave us a clear path to the rip. It felt like a victory, like the first real step toward change.

The flight back to Ravenfell was long, but my heart soared with every beat of Tryggar's wings. We'd done it. Not only had we destroyed the blood oaths, but we'd secured an alliance that could shift the tide of this war. Laryk's commitment to our cause meant more than just an allegiance—it meant hope. Real hope for both realms.Real fucking hope.

I'd sent word ahead through Raven's compact, requesting the team gather for an immediate briefing upon our arrival. I hadn't expected to find all four Generals waiting in the war room, Urkin's eyes narrowing as I entered. The disapproval radiating from him was palpable—clearly my unauthorized excursion to Sídhe hadn't earned me any favor.

Aether moved past me, handing the crate of healing potions toRethlyn. "Get one of these to the infirmary immediately," he said. "To Lael."

Rethlyn nodded, already turning toward the door, but his eyes caught mine for a moment—a flash of relief crossing his features.

"Well?" Urkin's gruff voice drew my attention back to the table. "What did you find?"

I approached the center of the room, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. The weight of their stares didn't intimidate me now—not when I had such promising news to share.

"We've secured an alliance with General Laryk Ashford," I began, watching their expressions shift from skepticism to interest. "He's already positioning his forces to weaken the crown from within. And the blood oaths—“ I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. "Destroyed. All of them."

Vexa let out a low whistle from her position near the wall. "You actually did it."

"There's more," I continued. "A resistance is already growing in Sídhe. People who have seen through the lies, or those who had suffered their own misfortune at the hand of the crown, who want to help restore balance. Who want real change." The words carried all the hope I felt burning in my chest. "We're not alone in this fight anymore."

Urkin's jaw tightened. "And you trust these... allies? This… General?" His voice carried decades of skepticism. "The same people who've benefited from the theft of our essence?"

"These are people who have woken up. Who have been told of Sídhe's deception. Whobelieveit," I countered. "Once others learn the truth?—"

"If they learn the truth," Theron cut in, his analytical mind clearly running through every possible outcome. "How many will turn against their own King?"

"I don't know," I answered honestly, "but they deserve to have the knowledge before they make their decision. We would be themonsters they claim us to be if we needlessly kill the blind," I said, the command in my voice a shock to me.

Urkin's eyes met mine, but I didn't find resistance.

"We want the truth to spread so that we can create cracks in the undying fealty to the crown. Because the more people we have on our side, the better. But do not mistake my hesitation for weakness. Or ignorance," I continued, taking a few steps towards the Generals. "Those who choose to stay loyal to the King will suffer the same fate as their monarch. I know that this won't end in some pretty, perfect solution devoid of violence. I understand the weight of our goal. We're going to overthrow a Kingdom that's been established for centuries."

The room was silent, all eyes focused on me. Slowly, I turned to Aether, who was looking at me with that same expression from the trials—sitting back, his eyes black and narrowed, his jaw set, and mouth curved into something like a smile. Pride. Of the darkest variety.

Urkin stood then, gazes shifting to him as he approached the front of the room. The familiar creak of his leather boots seemed louder in the sudden quiet.

"I returned from Stravene this morning," he said, his rough voice carrying an edge I couldn't quite place. "The Council was... interested in the evidence Aether collected regarding your lineage."

General Karis rose then, his expression unreadable. "The Umbra forces find the evidence to be indisputable." His tone carried the weight of authority, but his face morphed into something more gentle as he looked at me. "All of the General's agree on this—that we find your claim to be legitimate."

"Her knowledge of Sídhe has been invaluable," Talon added from his corner, fingers drumming against the stack of archives before him. "The risk she took infiltrating their Guard?—"

"A Duskbound has always sat on the throne in Umbrathia,"General Taliora cut in, shaking her head as if alluding to something obvious. "Always."

"As you can see, you have our support." Urkin's jaw tightened slightly. "However..."

"What is the hesitation?" Aether's voice was sharp as he rose from his seat.

I watched as Taliora and Talon shared a look that made my stomach twist. Whatever was coming, it was clearly not what we were hoping for.

"The Council," Urkin cut in, "are wary."

"Of course they are." Vexa's exasperation cut through the tension as she drove her dagger into the wooden table before her.

"Fia did not grow up here." Karis's voice was measured, diplomatic. "She's spent very little time with our people. They question her ability to lead."