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"Every ruler has descended from this single bloodline." Rethlyn stepped forward, something like pride coloring his face. "It's her right."

"Well, that presents another issue entirely." Urkin's eyes found mine. "They understand the evidence is compelling, however, they do not believe it to be enough to solidify your claim."

I should have felt the same indignation that flashed across my companions' faces, but I couldn't summon it. The truth was it still didn't feel real even to me. The Council's doubts merely echoed my own—how could someone who'd spent their whole life as an outsider suddenly claim to be heir to a throne they’d never known existed?

"There has to be a way to convince them." Raven's voice broke through my thoughts. "Something we missed in the archives, tethers that work with blood magic,something."

"They assured me they would be looking into it," Karis offered.

"She was the one who discovered the truth about siphons. She'sthe one who imbued the arcanite." Effie's eyes blazed. "They will have to reconsider once they?—"

Urkin silenced her with a raised hand. "We will present all of this to them. And we will find a solution. But until then, there are bigger things to be concerned over." His gaze settled on me again. "The threat of Sídhe and the threat of Draxon, all spiraling towards us at once. Even with Fia's accomplishments across the rip."

"The Council," Urkin continued, shifting his weight as he leaned against the table, "deemed it my decision how much authority you should hold over the Umbra forces."

Anxiety coiled in my gut as glances were exchanged around the room. Even Vexa's blade had finally stopped thrumming.

"I think," he said, measuring each word, "that if you agree to stop going rogue on missions, and actually communicate effectively with the rest of us—the Generals and the spectres—we can work together. Your say will be equal to our own."

My breath caught as he straightened, his weathered face softening slightly. "Because despite the Council's hesitation, we believe you to be the heir to the throne. And it will only be a matter of time before you ascend." He gestured around the room. "Until then, we have battles still to be fought. And I think we'll be better for it if we're doing this with you by our side."

Relief swept through me as Urkin nodded, the ghost of a smile playing at his lips.

"We need to plan," he said, "but the hour is late, and you all need your rest." His eyes swept the room one final time. "You're dismissed."

As the others filed out, Urkin held me back with a raised hand, Karis lingering behind him. Aether stayed by the door, his golden eyes sharp in the candlelight.

"There's something else." Urkin's voice dropped low. "Ilsthyre, South of Draxon. It was supposed to be abandoned, but our scouts report increased military presence."

"How increased?" Aether moved closer to study the map Urkin had spread across the table.

"Double the guard rotations we'd expect from Valkan's forces. Supply wagons moving in under heavy escort, but nothing comes out." Urkin's finger traced the settlement's location. "And it's all continued after Valkan's death. If anything, security's gotten tighter."

"Who's giving the orders?" I asked.

"His brother, Verick, we assume." The name stirred something in my foggy memories of Draxon.

My head ached as I tried to grasp at the fragments—a conversation I'd overheard through a haze of pain and blood loss. Something about Verick... about him struggling with a new position.

"What do we know about him?" I asked, frustrated by the gaps in my mind.

"Not much." Urkin shared a look with Aether. "He's always been in Valkan's shadow. Never showed much interest in politics or military command."

Something else tickled at the edge of my consciousness. A word that made my skin crawl, though I couldn't remember why.Blood rot.

"Whatever it is, they're guarding it fiercely." Urkin's voice carried an edge of concern. "A weak leader desperate to prove himself, with access to whatever resources Valkan left behind..."

"Could be even more dangerous than his brother," Aether finished quietly.

I studied the map, trying to ignore the growing unease in my gut. "We have to keep watching," I said. "Every wagon, every guard change. The smallest detail might matter."

Urkin nodded, but his expression remained grim. "Despite these new developments, the situation remains... volatile but unchanged." Urkin's fingers traced the edge of a marker on the map. "His supporters haven't made any moves against us. Butwe've doubled our Sentinels around our borders in preparation. They are ready to defend Ravenfell."

"Our scouts move through the wasteland between territories," Karis added, his scarred face grim. "In endless circuits, watching for any sign of retaliation against the capital."

Urkin's jaw tightened. "They're waiting for something. Building their forces, perhaps. Or looking for the right moment to strike." He shared a look with the other Generals. "But when they do..."

"They'll find us ready, Your Grace." Karis turned to look at me, eyes deadly serious.