(Dominic’s POV)
A cold dawn found me standing at the center of the war room, Thomas’s confession still ringing in my ears. Outside, the sky was swelling pink, but inside those walls, dawn felt heavy—thick with reckoning and regret.
I’d summoned the senior council, including Ava, to hear Thomas speak truths we’d paid too dearly to learn. Logan stood guarded at my side, shoulders rigid. Emily and Rhea flanked Ava, their presence a steady reminder of loyalty earned, not taken.
The clatter of feet and rustle of cloaks drew everyone’s attention. Thomas entered, his wrists bound with locks forged by our blacksmith. His gaze drifted to Ava—yelting shame. She didn’t look back. Instead, she exhaled and stood tall.
“Thomas betrayed us,” she said. Her voice echoed in the silence. “He signed over
