Page 72 of Shattered Crown

“I had a good teacher,” Silas said, squeezing his hand.

The next thirty minutes passed in a flurry of preparation. Kai and Lyra gathered what intelligence they had on Sebastian's movements. Nathaniel consulted ancient texts he'd brought to the sanctum. Thorne communed with the living wood of their sanctuary, seeking guidance from the oldest memories of the forest.

“Ready?” Thorne asked as they prepared to enter the central chamber.

Silas took a deep breath. “No. But that hasn't stopped us yet.”

By midday, the leadership had assembled in the Heart Sanctum's central chamber. The cavernous space, lined with living roots and illuminated by bioluminescent moss, filled with their allies. The air was thick with tension as representatives took their positions around the natural stone formation that served as their table.

“Sebastian's forces have retreated to the northern territories,” Elena reported, spreading a map marked with red ink. “We've lost contact with several outposts along the border. The last messages spoke of strange storms and unnatural darkness.”

“The corruption's spreading,” Elder pine said. He’s one of the Elders from Nathaniel side and his bark-like skin still showed burn marks from shadow magic. “Not as fast as before, but steadily. Without direct intervention, it'll reach populated areas within weeks.”

“And what do you propose?” Lyra asked sharply. “Another frontal assault? We barely survived the last one.”

“We can't just sit here,” countered Elandor. “Every day we delay, the Shadowblight grows stronger.”

“Rushing in without a plan is what got us here,” Elena shot back.

Arguments erupted around the table. Some advocated for guerrilla tactics, others for diplomatic solutions. The alliance that had seemed so strong before the battle now showed signs of fracturing under the weight of defeat.

A blast of arctic wind silenced the debate. The tent flaps froze solid as Queen Mab materialized in the center, her presence dropping the temperature to bone-chilling levels. Ice crystalized on every surface, and several people's breath became visible clouds.

“Enough squabbling,” she declared, her voice carrying the bite of a winter storm. “I helped your retreat. I honored our agreement. But I will not commit the Winter Court to a losing cause indefinitely.”

“We're not losing,” Silas protested, rising to face her.

Mab's laugh held no warmth. “Aren't you? Your enemy grows stronger while you argue in tents. The terms of our agreement were clear, young Ashworth. Defeat the Shadowblight, or forfeit the contested territories to Winter's dominion.”

“The war isn't over,” Silas countered. “We suffered a setback, not a defeat.”

“Semantics.” Mab's eyes glittered dangerously. “The entity lives. It grows. And you sit here licking your wounds like beaten dogs.”

“We need time to regroup,” Thorne interjected, his form flickering with anger. “You can't expect?—”

“I expect results,” Mab cut him off. “The Northern Reaches border my realm. If the corruption spreads there, I will take action with or without your alliance.”

“You mean you'll claim them,” Silas said flatly. “Use our failure as an excuse to expand your territory.”

“I will protect my people,” Mab replied, frost spreading from where she stood. “Something you seem incapable of doing for yours.”

The tent erupted in angry voices. Silas felt control of the meeting slipping away.

“Enough!” he shouted, slamming his hands on the table. The Sword of Balance materialized briefly, its light cutting through the chaos. “Your Majesty, we had an agreement. We still have an agreement. But threatening us while we recover helps no one.”

Mab's smile was sharp as an icicle. “Then prove me wrong, heir of Ashworth. Present me with a viable strategy within the week, or I withdraw my support entirely. And yes, I will claim what was promised should you fail completely.”

“We won't fail,” Silas said through gritted teeth.

“We shall see.” She turned to leave, then paused. “Oh, and Silas? Your father's awakening is... interesting timing. I wonder what role the broken king will play in this drama.”

She vanished as suddenly as she'd appeared, leaving frost patterns on the tent walls and a profound chill in everyone's hearts.

“Well, that was encouraging,” Kai muttered, breaking the stunned silence.

“She's right about one thing,” Lyra said reluctantly. “We can't keep debating without action. We need a concrete plan.”

“And we need it fast,” Elena added. “Before the Winter Court decides we're more liability than ally.”

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