Ethan's POV
I stepped into the council chamber, and the air shifted immediately—the weight of unspoken tension pressing down like a storm cloud ready to break. Four elders stood waiting, their expressions grave, hands folded behind their backs. This wasn't the usual morning briefing. This was something different.
"Your Majesty," Elder Korin began, his voice low, almost hesitant. "We need to speak about matters that cannot wait. Sit."
I obeyed, sliding into the chair at the head of the long, polished table. My gaze swept over each elder. Their eyes avoided mine—or maybe they couldn't meet it. Something told me the news wasn't good.
"Ethan," Lila's father, Elder Randolph said slowly, "what we're about to show you… it affects more than Silverfang. It concerns the western territories as a whole."
I felt a cold weight settle in my chest. "Go on."
