I collapsed to one knee, awake just barely. Heat still pulsed from my gauntlet, a burning reminder of what I’d unleashed. My chest heaved, the adrenaline flooding my mind in uneven waves. The sharp sting of memories clawed at the edges, but I pushed them down, barely.

Around me, the chamber was thick with tension. The court sat frozen, the usual murmurs silenced by shock. I saw faces I’d known since childhood. Nobles, mages, heirs. All locked in place, eyes wide, breaths caught between wonder and fear.

Father’s face was a deep red, veins pulsing at his temples. His eyes burned with a mix of anger and something like disbelief. Arren stood rigid, like he was in shock.

Lady Aeris of Caelisorn leaned forward slightly, lips pressed into a thin line. She wore the calm mask of control, but I could see the flicker of calculation behind her eyes. Lord Marrek of Theryn stared hard, his lips pursed, the faintest crease between his brows. His niece Sira sat straighter than usual, her gaze sharp and unreadable.

And then there was Vaelen. He remained seated, his expression unreadable beneath the soft shadows. His eyes gleamed with something I couldn’t yet place. A plan was in motion. A silent calculation.

The silence stretched. Every breath and every heartbeat seemed magnified. I felt every eye on me. Some watched with fear. Others with curiosity. Many with judgment.

Then I spoke, with what little strength I had left.

"Is there still doubt in your mind that this catalyst is dangerous?"

No one disagreed.

Or so I thought. But then one of the court mages behind me spoke up. Perfect.