The Unbroken Accord's lead representative lowered his hood as Jasmine's party entered the watchtower's ruined interior — an older man, silver-haired and severe, with the particular gravity of someone who had spent decades believing himself the last reasonable defense against a catastrophe only he could clearly see coming. His four companions remained hooded and silent behind him, their stillness unnerving in its uniformity.

"I am Ashen," he said, without preamble. "I speak for the Unbroken Accord in this matter. I appreciate your willingness to meet, Luna, though I confess I hold little hope this conversation will end differently than our letter already proposed."

"Then you've wasted both our time," Jasmine...