The full leadership council convened at sunset.

Marina stood at the center of it with the boundary stones blazing behind her, the freed captives from the Keep gathered at the edges with the rest of the Grove, and Obsidian standing alone in the middle of the circle where she had positioned him. No magic. No allies present except Vael, who stood apart from him deliberately.

Silvain sat with Ragnar and Astrid in the leadership positions. Edric sat near the fire, his hand resting on the ground the way it always did when he was listening for more than words.

"He has an offer," Marina said to the assembled council. "I...