The sky above the Swiss estate was no longer quiet.
Since the attack on the Summit of Stars, patrol drones and protective wards circled the sanctuary day and night. Every wall was reinforced. Every corridor watched.
But despite the heightened defenses, Ariella felt a storm pressing in—one that no gate could hold back.
The Silver Court had declared war.
And this time, Eleanor would not be hidden.
The Council Reforms
Ariella stood at the head of the newly-formed flame-frost council table, ringed by Carter, Nadia, Vincent, Leo, and now—three defected members of the Silver Court: Avrel Raen, Elya Mirth (the older ice-mage who had challenged Ariella at the Summit), and Toren Vale, a mute but powerful elemental translator.
Ariella's hand hovered over the glowing sigil of unity carved into the table's center—half flame, half frost, pulsing gently with the rhythm of Eleanor's energy.
