Kalev’s POV

The Council chamber felt smaller than I remembered. Or maybe I was just seeing it differently now.

I entered the room with my head held up. I knew what this meeting was about. They were going to strip me of my privileges.

However, the moment I sat down, I was shocked to hear the head of the council say something else entirely.

“Your Architect privileges will be restored,” he said, his tone measured, careful. “With appropriate oversight.”

“What,” I snapped at him.

“You heard me, Kalev,” he said, his face and voice firm. “I know this is not what you were expecting. However, the people have spoken and...