Chapter 74

• The morning sun filtered through the windows of the council chamber, its warmth doing little to ease the tension in the room. Amara sat at the head of the table, her fingers lightly brushing against the artifact at her side. Its steady hum, once a source of reassurance, now felt like a constant drain on her energy. She could feel it even now—a faint pull that seemed to sap her strength, leaving her more fatigued with each passing day.
• “Amara?” Xander’s voice broke through her thoughts, his sharp tone filled with concern. She blinked, realizing she had missed something. The room had gone quiet, all eyes on her.
• “Apologies,” she said quickly, straightening in her seat. “What were you saying?”