The sun was just beginning to rise as Seraphina stood in the training yard, watching her warriors spar. She needed the distraction, the rhythmic clash of steel on steel a temporary reprieve from the storm brewing inside her mind. They had taken a significant step by obtaining Lucian's list of conspirators, but the battle was far from over.

Thalia approached, her face a mixture of concern and determination. "Seraphina, we need to talk. The council is growing restless. They want to know our next move."

Seraphina nodded, her eyes never leaving the sparring warriors. "We'll address them soon. We need to solidify our plans first. Have the others gathered in...