Page 77 of Fired Up Love

Elder Willow leaned forward, her silver hair catching rainbow light from the windows. “Yet when the critical moment came, you stood against him, risking your life to protect the Pyre.”

“Too little, too late,” Luciana whispered.

The words caught in Zina’s chest. How many nights had she lain awake thinking those exact thoughts about herself? Too late to save her parents. Too late to understand her mother’s true purpose for the spa. Always catching up to truths others had protected her from.

“I disagree,” she said, her own voice surprising her. All eyes turned to her, some curious, others wary. “Luciana’s knowledge of Severin’s plans gave us crucial information when we needed it most. Without her, we might have failed.”

She held Luciana’s startled gaze, recognizing the mirror of her own uncertainties there. “Sometimes the right moment to act isn’t when we wish it had been. It’s when we finally find the courage.”

Elder Tygra’s amber eyes narrowed. “Your defense of Ms. Madrigal is noted, but this doesn’t resolve the question of her brother’s punishment.”

The debate that followed lasted hours, revealing the complex dance of supernatural politics. Ancient grudges surfaced in seemingly innocuous comments between species representatives. Progressive and traditional viewpoints clashed over appropriate penalties.

Throughout it all, Zina observed Xai navigating these currents with practiced diplomacy. He spoke rarely but effectively, his deep voice commanding attention without demanding it. Occasionally, his eyes caught hers across the table, subtle nods encouraging her contributions.

Finally, after exhaustive deliberation, the council reached a decision.

“Severin Madrigal will be stripped of all property holdings and magical access,” Elder Alaric announced, his vampire pallor stark against dark council robes. “He will live as a human in a non-magical rehabilitation facility, monitored constantly by council representatives until deemed no longer a threat.”

“And if he’s never deemed safe?” asked Elder Fenris, the wolf representative, skepticism evident in his rough voice.

“Then he remains contained,” Rust replied grimly. “His intelligence makes him dangerous even without magic, but we are not executioners.”

The pronouncement carried finality that settled over the chamber like a heavy cloak. For better or worse, justice had been decided.

Elder Willow cleared her throat. “This leaves the matter of governance. The Founding Pyre’s guardians now hold significant power over town security. How will this integrate with existing council authority?”

Zina tensed. This was the question she’d anticipated—and dreaded. Power dynamics rarely shifted smoothly in supernatural communities where grudges could simmer for centuries.

Xai straightened in his chair. “The guardianship doesn’t supersede council governance. Rather, it provides a specialized focus on the town’s protective foundations.”

“Yet decisions affecting the Pyre now require approval from all three guardians,” Elder Lysander noted, his fox eyes gleaming. “A triumvirate system within our existing structure.”

Murmurs rippled around the table, some approving, others skeptical. Zina felt the weight of their scrutiny like physical pressure against her skin.

“Balance,” she said suddenly, the word bubbling up from some deeper knowing. All eyes turned to her again.

She wet her lips, continuing with more confidence than she felt. “Isn’t that what the Pyre represents? Different powers working in harmony rather than dominance? The council governs the town while the guardians maintain its protective heart. Neither can function without the other.”

Silence followed her words—not dismissive but considering. Elder Selene, the fae representative, inclined her head, causing light to shimmer across her otherworldly features.

“The lioness speaks wisdom beyond her years,” she declared, voice musical with fae cadence. “Let the guardians maintain the Pyre’s integrity while the council continues broader governance. When matters concern both, collaborative decisions will be required.”

The proposal passed with minimal dissent. Xai would maintain his council position but acknowledged his dual loyalty. The spa received official recognition as essential to town protection—a designation that would shield Purrfect Oasis from future threats.

As the council adjourned, Rust approached Zina, offering his massive hand. Up close, the lion elder’s presence radiated power—old magic simmering beneath controlled composure.

“The Parker legacy continues through you,” he said, his leonine features softening. “Your mother would be proud.”

The unexpected praise from her mother’s old friend caught Zina unprepared. A lump formed in her throat that her lioness pride found embarrassing.

“Thank you,” she managed, gripping his hand firmly. “I’m still learning what that legacy means.”

“As we all do,” he replied with surprising gentleness. “Legacy isn’t a destination but a continuing journey.”

SEVENTY-THREE

Outside the council chambers, Luciana lingered on the stone steps, looking lost despite her elegant appearance. Afternoon sunlight caught the highlights in her hair—warmer than Severin’s cold blond, Zina noted.

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