“Leave us,” she commands them with a confidence that reminds me forcefully of our mother. “I will take responsibility for this breach of protocol.”
They hesitate, then bow slightly and step back. Zara enters the chamber, closing the door behind her.
“You look terrible,” she says bluntly, taking in my sweat-soaked appearance and the dark circles under my eyes.
“Viktor’s scouts found evidence of my meetings with Elena,” I explain quickly, keeping my voice low. “He’s convinced the Council I’ve been corrupted by ground-dweller influence. They’ve ordered her capture.”
Zara nods grimly. “I know. That’s why I’m here. Viktor sent a strike team an hour ago. Six warriors, his most loyal.”
“I need to warn her,” I say, moving toward the door, but Zara blocks my path.
“It’s too late for warnings, brother. The settlement is already on alert—something triggered their perimeter alarms just after midnight. Viktor’s team won’t be able to approach undetected.”
Relief washes through me—Elena must have received my warning somehow. But that relief quickly fades as I realize the implications.
“If they’re discovered inside Haven’s Heart territory, it could trigger open war,” I say.
“Which may be exactly what Viktor wants.” Zara’s expression hardens. “He’s been meeting with Council members individually, convincing them that our only path to survival is all-out war with the ground-dwellers. With you confined, there’s no voice of moderation to counter his arguments.”
I press my palms against the cold stone wall, frustration burning through me. “I need to get out of here, Zara. Elena is in danger, the clan is in danger?—”
“And you’re no use to anyone trapped in this chamber,” she finishes. “I know. That’s why I brought this.” She pulls a small vial from inside her tunic—a vial containing swirling silver-blue liquid that seems to glow from within.
“What is it?” I ask, though something in me recognizes the energy signature even before she answers.
“Your healer gave it to me after she saved my life. She said it contained her essence—her magic—and that I should keep it safe until it was needed.” Zara holds it out to me. “I think that time is now.”
I take the vial carefully, feeling the power pulsing within. Elena’s magic, freely given—the perfect counter to the dampening effects of the purification chamber.
“How did you get past the guards?” I ask, uncorking the vial.
Zara’s smile holds a hint of mischief. “I told them Elder Talon had ordered a ritual meal brought to you. The old ways are very specific about purification protocols.”
“And they believed you?”
“I’m very convincing when I need to be.” Her expression turns serious. “Whatever you’re planning, do it quickly. Viktor has called a clan gathering for dawn. I think he intends to formalize his leadership position.”
I raise the vial to my lips, hesitating only briefly before drinking its contents. The effect is immediate and overwhelming—Elena’s magic floods through me, washing away the dampening effects of the sigils, resonating with my own storm magic until lightning dances across my skin uncontrollably. The sensation is like nothing I’ve ever experienced—power without rage, strength without aggression, a perfect complement to my natural abilities.
“Zara,” I say, my voice vibrating with barely contained energy, “I need you to gather everyone you trust. Meet me at the eastern platform at dawn.”
“What are you going to do?” she asks.
I move to the door, feeling stronger than I have in days. “I’m going to save Elena. And then I’m going to challenge Viktor for leadership of the clan—on my terms, not his.”
“The Council won’t allow it. They’ve suspended your authority?—”
“The Council follows tradition above all else,” I remind her. “And tradition dictates that any Storm Eagle can challenge for leadership at the clan gathering.” Lightning arcs between my fingers as I place my hand on the door. “Viktor wanted a spectacle. I’ll give him one he’ll never forget.”
The door splinters beneath my touch, the wood unable to contain the combined power of my storm magic and Elena’s healing energy. The guards outside jump back in shock as I step through the ruined doorway, lightning illuminating the corridor around me.
“The Stormwright is free!” one shouts, reaching for a weapon.
I raise my hand, and a small bolt of lightning strikes the stone floor at his feet. “I wouldn’t,” I advise quietly.
Both guards hesitate, uncertainty clear in their young faces. They’ve been raised to follow the Stormwright’s commands without question—but now the Council has suspended my authority, placing them in an impossible position.
“I don’t wish to harm members of my own clan,” I tell them. “But I will not remain imprisoned while a traitor seizes control and threatens the woman who saved my sister’s life.”
