Council of Nine Chambers — Olivia's Gambit
The great chamber echoed with whispers as Olivia strode in. Dressed in black silk and fire, she held her father's ledger in one hand and the queen of hearts card in the other.
The Council eyed her like a stray bullet.
"I am Olivia Bennett," she said, her voice cutting across the murmurs. "And you sit on thrones built by my bloodline."
One of the councilmen, Lord Darian, sneered. "The child returns with fire. We expected a storm—not a girl in heels."
She smiled, slow and lethal. "Funny. That's what Rane said before I shattered his windpipe."
Gasps. Silence.
"I'm not here to ask for my father's seat. I'm here to take it."
She dropped the queen of hearts on the table.
"And when I do, I won't sit alone."
Elsewhere — Damon's Confrontation
The old cathedral smelled of dust and blood. Damon stepped between the pews, every memory clawing at his skin.
Aurelia stood near the altar, waiting.
"You read it," she said.
He held the photo tight. "You're my mother."
She nodded.
"And Markus raised me to kill. To obey."
"He used you," she replied. "I hid you, Damon. I kept you out of the bloodline so you wouldn't be another pawn. But he found you. Twisted you."
His voice broke. "Why didn't you come back?"
Her eyes gleamed. "Because I knew if I did—you would never become him. And I needed you to become more."
He hated how her truth fit.
"What am I now?"
She stepped forward and placed a ring in his hand.
It bore the Vespera sigil—a dagger through a crown.
"You are the rightful heir to my empire."
Markus Moves
Inside the Elden estate, Markus stood before a portrait of Olivia's father—his brother.
"She thinks she's taking the throne," he murmured. "Let her sit. Let her feel the weight."
He turned to his assistant. "Plant the Ceres Protocol under the Council's table. If she takes her seat—kill them all."
"But… you'd be destroying your own power base."
Markus smirked.
"Power doesn't sit at the table. It decides who eats."
Olivia and Damon — The Pact
He returned after midnight, soaked in rain and revelations.
"I know who I am now," Damon said. "And I'm still choosing you."
Olivia's breath caught.
"I don't want your loyalty," she said.
"I want your rage. I want the part of you that burns for vengeance and doesn't