POV: KAEL
Cassian's journal laid open on the war table, its pages chronicling a conspiracy that made my eight hundred years of political maneuvering look like child's play.
Duke Corvin had planned everything meticulously.
The joint coronation ceremony—ostensibly to crown Seraphine as Queen of Veridia and formalize our alliance—was scheduled for three days from now. It was meant to be a celebration. A symbol of unity between kingdoms that had been at war for generations.
Instead, it was designed to be a massacre.
"He's positioned Purist forces throughout the cathedral," Lyra said, reading from the journal. "Disguised as palace guards, servants, even clergy. The moment the ceremony begins, they strike. Dragonbane weapons, anti-magic wards, coordinated attacks on every Reborn and alliance supporter in attendance."
"Both kingdoms' leadership eliminated in one blow," Theron added grimly. "It's brilliant, strategically. Brutal, but brilliant."
