The chamber had fallen into a stunned silence. I could feel the weight of every gaze—surprised, calculating, envious, fearful. Good. Let them stare. Let them wonder. The Aurora Knights' arrival had changed the game entirely, shifting the balance of power in a way even the most obstinate Eastern patriarchs couldn't ignore.
Lilith's presence alone would have been enough. My cousin had carved her reputation with blood and brilliance across a dozen battlefields before I'd even picked up my first training sword. But she hadn't come alone. She'd brought enough firepower to level a small country.
Father never did believe in half measures.
I turned to Deia, who stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief. The Eastern families had been ready to throw her to the wolves moments ago—to punish her for crimes she hadn't committed, for blood she hadn't spilled. Now, they wouldn't dare touch her.
