Chapter 207

CHAPTER 49… VALENTINA The Origin Seat rose from the valley like it had been carved from the mountains themselves, untouched by time or ambition… Luciano slept in my arms, his small form heavier than his size suggested, calm as though he already knew the importance of this place. Andres walked beside me, silent but alert, his eyes tracing every angle, every shadow that could conceal intent. The moment we stepped onto the central plaza, the air thickened, not with threat, but with expectation… "Bearer of the Anchor, you have arrived." A voice— soft, restrained, impossibly precise, echoed across the Seat, filling the space without moving the lips of anyone present. I straightened, holding Luciano close, and let my gaze sweep across the chamber. Figures seated in the galleries above and around the central stone dais are observed without moving, their veils hiding faces, but not the intent behind their eyes. "You are aware," I said aloud, loud enough for them to hear, "that my presence here