The conference room was hushed, except for the soft ticking of the ancient wall clock. Twelve Tribunal councilors sat around a long table of polished marble, faces tense and unreadable.

Councilor Davoren stood at the head, fingers steepled beneath his chin. A single button on the table glowed red.

“Motion to suspend Chairwoman Sophie Burnett from all Tribunal responsibilities, pending internal investigation into the Firelight breach,” he said calmly.

He glanced around.

“All in favor?”

Ten hands rose.

Two didn’t.

Councilor Lian and Councilor Vega sat frozen.

“I dissent,” Lian said softly. “The evidence is unclear.”

Davoren’s smile was razor-thin.

“Duly noted. Motion passes. Eleven to one.”

He banged the...