The chamber fell silent at Maren's words, and Jasmine felt the particular, familiar dread of a threat that hadn't yet fully revealed its shape. Xavier's hand had found the back of her chair, steadying, though she noticed his knuckles had gone pale with the effort of remaining calm.

"Explain," Jasmine said, quiet and dangerous. "Now. Completely. I've had enough of half-warnings dressed up as courtesy." She folded her hands on the table, forcing her voice to remain steady despite the dread coiling tighter in her chest.

Maren inclined her head, accepting the demand without offense. "The prophecy your son found describes twin-born power testing the old Accord — the ancient...