***Cadiz***
The council chamber felt different this time.
Instead of standing before the elders like someone being judged or evaluated, Raizel and I were seated at the long table with them, positioned as equals rather than supplicants. It was a small change in arrangement, but the meaning behind it was significant.
They were treating me as a partner in this rebellion now, not just a weapon to be wielded.
Duke Magnus sat at the head of the table as always, with Lord Eamon and Lady Brenna on one side, Lord Corvin on the other. Raizel and I occupied the seats closest to the door, our chairs positioned side by side so our shoulders almost touched.
"Lord Cadiz," Duke Magnus began, his tone respectful in a way it had been since our last meeting. "How is your training progressing?"
