The High Council Chamber of Voss Palace was built for order and display. Light from the stained glass spread across the obsidian table, throwing red and gold across the walls. The air smelled faintly of incense and herbs.
By evening, an emergency meeting had been called after the second breach of palace security since Nyx's arrival. An assassin had entered the royal wing, killing two guards before being captured. Several more later died from their injuries. The council gathered to hear Commander Cassian's report.
King Dorian sat at the head of the table, Queen Nyx beside him. Around them sat the retired King and Queen, three elders, and the High Priest. Across from them, Liora Morvain sat calm and watchful. She had secured her seat after being named a target in the recent attack and, in protest of the King's current union, had insisted on representation. Her chosen delegate, Aunt Serecei of House Morvain, sat beside her, silent and composed.
Cassian rose, nodded to those present, and spoke clearly. "Distinguished council members, I present to you a debriefing of our current tactical situation and our plans to address it."
He set a sealed parchment on the table. "First, the facts. The surviving attacker carried the insignia of the Shadow Fang. His body showed markings consistent with their training. The order recovered from his boot was partially decoded. It reads: 'Eliminate Twin A before the bond is sealed. Prevent the prophecy's completion.'"
Murmurs broke through the room.
Cassian continued, steady and factual. "Our records identify the twins by birth order. Twin A, the firstborn, is Liora Morvain. Twin B, the secondborn, is Nyx. By that record, the intended target was the firstborn."
Liora's voice cut through the tension. "That cannot be right. No one outside the palace knows that detail."
Cassian met her gaze evenly. "Someone knew. And they paid to ensure the attack reached this far."
Dorian leaned forward. "Do we know who?"
"Not yet," Cassian said. "The payment trail is complex—multiple currencies transferred through dead Shadow Fang accounts. The markings on the assassin were altered. Someone wanted it to appear as their work but wasn't one of them."
The retired Queen asked quietly, "Do you believe this was an internal breach?"
Cassian nodded once. "Yes. Entry through the east wing was restricted to palace staff only. Three guards have been detained for questioning. Until confirmed otherwise, we are treating this as a coordinated inside attack."
The High Priest cleared his throat. "Regardless of these findings, the bond between the King and his fated mate must be sanctified before the gods."
Dorian's voice was sharp. "Then say it correctly. Queen Nyx."
The priest hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. The ceremony should proceed within the week."
Nyx's tone stayed even. She noted the priest's continued reluctance to address her properly but maintained professionalism. This was not personal. It was business. "You want to gather the entire royal bloodline in one chamber after two assassination attempts? That's a target, not a blessing."
Inside her mind, Kelly rolled her eyes. I hate politics—just the facts. Then eliminate the enemy accordingly. Simple.
Liora interrupted smoothly. "I agree with the priest. Seven days is enough. The people need reassurance."
Dorian turned to Cassian. "Recommendations."
Cassian straightened. "Four steps. Increase guard rotations and screening. Secure the Sacred Chambers with reinforced wards and doubled patrols. Establish a new royal defense unit under direct command—the Shadow Fang Guard."
He paused.
"Go on, Beta," the retired King urged.
"No public allowed," Cassian added firmly.
Liora, the people's princess, nearly rose from her seat. "What! This is sacrilege. You cannot be serious."
Completely ignoring her outburst, Dorian nodded. "Approved. Form them before the ceremony."
Cassian hesitated. "One last matter. The surviving assassin is dead."
Dorian's head snapped up. "How?"
"It appears he was assisted," Cassian said. "We're investigating, but the timing is suspicious. Before he died, he spoke one word."
"What word?" Dorian asked.
Cassian looked at both Dorian and Nyx. "Morvain."
The room went silent.
Liora spoke quickly. "Clearly he was referencing his failed attempt on me as a target. It means nothing. I am the target and demand more protection."
"Done," Dorian said simply.
"And I want to be moved to the royal suites with the other royals," Liora continued.
"Denied," Dorian replied. "I think that is enough for now. We have a ceremony to plan."
The priest cleared his throat. "I think we are done here for now."