LUCAS’S POV
“The northern trading route has been compromised for three months now,” Jensen said, his voice rising with barely contained frustration. “We’re losing thousands in revenue every week that we delay action.”
“Action?” Valor scoffed from across the council table. “You mean reckless military intervention that could spark a war we’re not prepared to fight?”
“I mean protecting our interests…”
“By sending troops into disputed territory? That’s precisely the kind of shortsighted aggression that…”
I sat at the head of the table, watching them argue with the same detached boredom I’d felt through countless meetings like this one. The same arguments, posturing and predictable dance of council politics.
“The northern clans have been testing our borders for years,” Jensen continued, l
