The morning sun broke out of the heavy clouds, shining small light over the council hall. Aveline stood by the window in her chambers, her thoughts is overed with both suspicion and fear. Last night's events replayed in her mind—Cassian's secret warning, the attack in the archives, the incriminating evidence in Thorne's ledger. Everything pointed to trouble originating beneath the surface, and she was running out of time to stop it.
Determined, she made her way to the training yard where Cassian was supervising a group of warriors. His authoritative tone can be heard all around the field as he gives orders. When he noticed her approaching, his expression shifted to one of friendliness, as though he'd been expecting her.
"Cassian," Aveline called, her voice sharp. The warriors paused, their eyes moving between her and their leader.