Chapter 56: The Seed of Betrayal

[At the same time as Elion in the library]

Elder Lysandre walked briskly down the polished stone corridors, her dark green robes swaying with each step. The soft echo of her boots against the floor filled the air as servants and guards paused to bow respectfully.

"Good morning, Elder Lysandre," one guard said with a slight bow.

Lysandre nodded curtly in acknowledgment but remained silent, her thoughts preoccupied. While her exterior exuded poise and grace, her mind replayed the events of the past days with unsettling clarity.

The day after the Dred attack had been a whirlwind of decisions. Graviel's announcement of Elion as the heir was a turning point for the family—a declaration of intent that left some members inspired and others, like Elder Cedrin, seething.