Chapter 13
The Council Hall of Kelmire stood tall, pristine, and solemn—an architectural symbol of order and justice. But as Seraphina entered its grand stone archway, flanked by guards who had once refused her entrance, it felt more like a stage built for hypocrisy.
She was no longer the disgraced heir. She was the fire that had survived the storm. And in her hand, she held a device containing every name, document, and confession tied to Project HERALD.
This was no longer about power.
This was about truth.
🏛️ The Gathering
Inside the chamber, the twelve council members sat in their usual crescent formation—robes pressed, eyes cold. At the center of the arc was Lord Kael Thorne, Head of the Council. Silver-haired, sharp-eyed, and every bit the serpent Seraphina remembered.
"You requested a formal hearing," Kael said, voice echoing through the marble. "Yet arrived uninvited, armed, and with a vigilante."
He nodded toward Evelyn, who stood behind Seraphina with folded arms and zero interest in diplomacy.
"I requested justice," Seraphina said coolly, placing the drive on the center pedestal. "And this is my evidence."
One of the younger councilors, Lady Myra, leaned forward. "Evidence of what?"
Seraphina looked around the chamber—every face watching her with measured silence.
"Project HERALD. A sanctioned mind-control program buried under centuries of black funding. You stole identities, altered memories, created copies of political figures—and murdered the originals."
Murmurs broke out immediately. Lord Kael raised a hand.
"These are dangerous accusations," he said smoothly. "And wildly unbelievable."
Evelyn stepped forward. "Not when backed by your own signed documents, councilor."
Lucien activated the holoprojector. Pages flickered to life above the dais—diagrams, names, transactions, and signatures.
Kael's mask cracked. Just for a moment.
"You came into a council chamber with stolen files and no official order?" he said, tone growing sharp.
"I came with truth," Seraphina shot back. "And with the knowledge that at least three of you here were part of it."
Gasps. One councilor turned pale. Another rose in protest. But Kael remained still.
"Very well," he said finally. "Let's say what you brought is real. What is it you want, Lady Seraphina? Vindication? Power? A throne?"
"I want none of that," she said. "I want names. Trials. And accountability."
Kael smiled. "And if the council refuses?"
Seraphina stepped closer, eyes unwavering. "Then the people will decide."
🥀 Thorns and Shadows
Outside, hundreds had already gathered. Rumors of her return—of the secret facility, of the project—had begun to spread. The Herald Drive had been leaked strategically. Not all of it, but enough to ignite outrage.
Banners were raised. A chant echoed across the plaza:
"We are not copies. We are not pawns."
Back inside, Lord Kael stood.
"I should have ended your line when I had the chance," he said, voice low, dangerous. "You're not your mother. She at least understood the game."
Seraphina stepped up to him, toe to toe.
"No," she said. "I'm not my mother."
She glanced back at Evelyn and Lucien. "I'm worse. I've seen the game from the gutter. I've fought for breath in your ashes. And now…"
She slammed her hand down on the pedestal.
"I'm going to flip the entire board."
⚖️ Betrayal and Choice
Just as the chamber reached a fever pitch—debates erupting, the Council divided—a single gunshot rang out.
Evelyn hit the floor.
Lucien dropped beside her. "Sniper—west tower!"
Seraphina dove behind a column as chaos erupted. Guards turned. Councilors ducked.
Kael stood unmoving, smug.
"It's begun," he whispered.
More gunshots. Explosions outside. The crowd scattered in panic. But even through the smoke, Seraphina saw them—her people, holding ground. Shielding others. Chanting louder.
And then, a flash of red.
Elira Vale entered through the council doors, sword drawn and eyes blazing.
"You didn't invite me to this little performance," she said. "So I decided to rewrite the script."
Seraphina blinked. "You're with them?"
Elira's smile didn't fade. "I'm with the winning side."
She raised her hand.
More soldiers poured in—some in council uniform, some in blackened armor bearing a thorn insignia.
The Council of Thorns had revealed itself at last.
🔥 Rising from Fire
Lucien held a bleeding Evelyn as Seraphina grabbed the holodrive and turned to the remaining unarmed councilors.
"This is your last chance," she said. "Stand with me now, or fall with him."
Lady Myra stood, eyes wide with fear and something else—conviction.
"I stand with her," she declared.
Another followed. Then another.
But it wasn't enough.
Kael gave the signal.
And just as the guards raised their rifles—
—a roar tore through the chamber.
The ceiling cracked.
And from above, Cedric dropped like lightning, sword blazing with fire.
"Sorry I'm late," he growled, smashing into the nearest enemy soldier. "Traffic was hell."
Seraphina grinned.
The battle for the soul of Kelmire had begun.
End of Chapter 13