The war room had never been quieter.
Cambria stood at the center, her eyes fixed on the holographic map in front of the council table. Red markers pulsed like open wounds across the map, each one a signal of conflict, betrayal, or resistance. The aftermath of Evelyn's broadcast was unraveling faster than anyone had anticipated. Territories once loyal to the Crown were now questioning their allegiance. The Pandora Protocol had seeded fear into the hearts of even her most devoted allies.
Behind her, Evelyn leaned against the cold marble wall, arms crossed, a smirk on her lips that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"We're bleeding influence," said Maddox, voice tight. "Three major sectors have entered lockdown. The Blackguard isn't responding. And Seraphine's old loyalists are making moves in the south."
Cambria didn't turn to him. She didn't blink. She simply whispered, "Good. Let them move."
Knox, seated in the shadowed corner, raised a brow. "You're hoping they'll expose themselves."
