The Council chamber erupted into divided voices the moment Xavier finished speaking.
"She's hiding something."
"She uncovered information none of our healers could."
"That alone makes her suspicious."
"Or valuable."
The arguments bounced across the marble walls like thunder. Athena stood frozen in the middle of it all, chains weighing down her wrists as though the Council had already decided her fate.
Beside her, Kraven remained silent.
Cold. Detached.
But the tension in his jaw betrayed him.
Ruby finally rose from her seat.
The hall gradually quieted as the Elder's silver eyes swept across the chamber. "Enough," she said calmly. "Screaming like animals will solve nothing."
Silence followed instantly.
Ruby turned toward Athena, studying her carefully before addressing the Council once more. "Whether you trust her or not, the facts remain unchanged. This omega healer uncovered the existence of a dangerous substance while our own physicians failed to detect it."
