"There's something else," Mara said, her tone shifting. "While I was pulling these Kael references, I found something about you, Azryth."
His expression went carefully neutral. "What about me?"
"Your exile. The official records don't match the neutral archive records." She moved to a different section, pulling out a slim folder. "These are from the independent archive network, records that can't be altered because multiple parties maintain copies."
Azryth moved closer, his hand finding mine.
"According to official infernal records," Mara said, opening the folder, "you were exiled for crimes against the council. Unauthorized territorial expansion, forced alliances, abuse of power."
"That's what they claimed," Azryth said quietly. "But none of it was true."
"I know." She pulled out a document covered in infernal script. "Because three months before your exile, someone filed a sealed petition with the council. A request to have you declared unfit to rule."
