Chapter 76

Chapter 76 Seraphina's POV The firelight flickered low in the council chamber, casting long shadows on the ancient stone walls. I sat at the head of the table, surrounded by war generals, political advisors, and a few newly earned allies who still didn’t quite trust me. Good. Trust could be earned. Fear was already mine. Kaelos entered silently, nodding to the guards before taking his seat beside me. His presence grounded me, even when the room felt like it might swallow me whole. Callista leaned forward, arms crossed over the polished oak table. “Our scouts report increased movement in the Ashgrove Valley. Not just soldiers—civilians. They’re evacuating the lower settlements.” “Cassian’s pushing them out?” I asked. “Or using them,” Kaelos said darkly. “As shields. Or bait.” I slammed my hand on the table, the sound echoing. “He’s cornered. And cornered men don’t fight fair.” An advisor from the Crescent Alliance spoke up. “We still have options to negotiate. There are diplomats who—”