Gideon strode through the marble corridors of the High Tower, his dark cloak trailing behind him. The sword at his side pulsed faintly, each rhythmic beat like a second heartbeat in his chest.

  You’re walking too slowly, the voice in his head murmured.

  “I’m not in a hurry.”

  You should be.

  Gideon’s hand brushed the hilt of the sword. The metal was warm now, as if the weapon was feeding on his magic — or maybe testing him. Either way, he wasn’t about to let the damn thing win.

  He emerged into the Council Chamber — a vast circur hall with towering stained gss windows depicting scenes of conquest and ruin. A long stone table sat in the center, ringed by robed figures. The room’s high ceilings made his footsteps echo unnaturally loud as he approached.

  Twelve Councilors sat at the table, their faces shrouded beneath the deep hoods of their crimson robes. Only the central figure, an older man with a neatly trimmed white beard and piercing blue eyes, had his hood down. Chancellor Aldric. His gaze sharpened as Gideon stepped into the circle of light.

  “You are te,” Aldric said coldly.

  Gideon’s smile was thin. “You’ll live.”

  A ripple of discomfort passed through the Council. Aldric’s jaw tightened.

  “You entered the Vault without sanction,” Aldric said. “And took the Bde of Nyra.” His eyes narrowed. “Do you understand the gravity of what you’ve done?”

  “I understand it better than you do.”

  Aldric’s gaze darkened. His hand tightened around the carved staff at his side. “The Bde of Nyra is not a tool to be wielded lightly.”

  Gideon’s hand brushed the hilt of the sword. A soft hum of amusement flickered through his mind.

  They don’t like you, Nyra whispered. I think I do.

  “You should have left the sword where it was,” Aldric continued. “It’s too dangerous.”

  “I disagree.” Gideon’s smile sharpened. “And so does the sword.”

  A low, dangerous tension settled over the chamber. Aldric’s gaze sharpened. “It speaks to you?”

  Gideon shrugged. “We’ve come to an understanding.”

  Aldric’s eyes narrowed. “You are not worthy of it.”

  “You didn’t have a problem sending me to die for it,” Gideon replied coolly.

  “You were not supposed to survive.”