Page 28 of Fire's Storm
The scientific testimony provides further unexpected support. I log another potential ally.
Before further discussion can develop, a side door opens to admit Raak, silver-blue scales fully visible as he takes a seatwithout ceremony or introduction. His silver eyes—mark of ruling bloodline according to information I've gathered—sweep the assembled witnesses before settling on the central platform where I stand beside Vulcan.
"This emergency session will now commence," the man in the direct center of the seven chairs announces, voice carrying authority that silences remaining whispers throughout the chamber. "The council will determine the status of the human female, Phoenix Ward, brought to Emberhold in violation of isolation protocols established for clan security."
The formal language carries political weight beyond simple description, framing my presence as a security breach rather than a potential alliance. I recognize power positioning when I encounter it.
"Extenuating circumstances justify protocol exception, Clan Leader," Vulcan counters immediately, electrical energy intensifying around his form as emotions surge beneath controlled exterior. His stance shifts subtly, angling his body to partially shield me from direct council scrutiny while simultaneously presenting us as a united front. "The bond formation represents binding precedent superseding standard isolation requirements."
"So you claim," acknowledges Raak, expression unreadable. "The council requires direct evidence beyond secondhand testimony."
The statement carries unmistakable implication—I must demonstrate my abilities, connections, and draconic heritage in a way the councilors can directly evaluate rather than accepting reports from potentially biased sources.
Without waiting for a formal invitation that might not materialize, I step forward, centering myself on the platform with practiced confidence that has served me through countless professional evaluations. Channeling Captain Ward, I assumecommand of the situation despite the power differences that should intimidate but somehow fail to penetrate my professional persona.
"My name is Captain Phoenix Ward," I introduce, voice carrying through the chamber without shouting, command presence requiring no speaker or mic. "Three days ago, I was a human firefighter responding to a wilderness blaze of suspicious origin. Today, I stand before you with abilities no human should possess, with physical changes science cannot explain, with electrical energy flowing through my system that should have killed me instantly."
As if responding to verbal acknowledgment, electricity manifests visibly around my form—blue-white current racing across skin, gathering between spread fingers as I raise both hands shoulder height. Unlike previous manifestations, this display emerges through conscious effort rather than emotional response—deliberate demonstration of developing control over emerging abilities.
"I didn't ask for these changes," I continue, maintaining steady eye contact with Raak specifically. "I didn't seek connection with your kind. I didn't choose a dragon heritage that apparently remained dormant for twenty-nine years. Yet here I stand—neither fully human nor fully dragon, caught between worlds through no deliberate action of my own."
The electrical current intensifies as I speak, forming complex patterns around my body that mirror designs carved into the chamber walls—unconscious reproduction of ancient symbols my conscious mind doesn't recognize but my awakening dragon half apparently remembers.
The display triggers another wave of whispers through assembled witnesses, even skeptical councilors leaning forward with increased interest.
"I pose three questions to this council," I continue, my mind identifying key issues requiring answers rather than allowing deliberation to wander through peripheral concerns. "First—does my mixed heritage grant me protection under clan law despite my predominantly human appearance? Second—does the bond with Vulcan Aetherion establish a legitimate clan connection regardless of genetic percentage? Third—what obligations accompany whatever status you determine appropriate to my unique situation?"
The directness appears to surprise several councilors—blunt questioning rather than political maneuvering representing an approach to non-tradition.
Only Raak's expression remains unchanged, though something resembling approval flickers momentarily in Spark's direction where she stands among witnesses rather than taking a seat with her mate status.
"Directness is unusual for council proceedings," murmurs the elderly female councilor, silver scales shimmering as she shifts forward in her seat. "Refreshing amid typical obfuscation."
"Disrespectful," counters Metu, tail lashing against the stone floor in visible agitation. "Humans should petition, not demand. This presumption alone justifies rejection of her presence."
"She's not fully human," Kellamir interjects from the witness section. "Genetic analysis confirms a minimum twenty-seven percent dragon markers. Technically hybrid rather than human under biological classification standards."
The debate continues around me, councilors arguing classification technicalities, while the witness sections divide into factions supporting various interpretations.
Throughout the developing chaos, I maintain position, electrical display continuing without fading. Beside me, Vulcan remains similarly still, silent support communicating more effectively than verbal intervention.
"Enough," the clan leader finally commands, the single word cutting through developing arguments with authority that silences the chamber instantly. His eyes return to me, studying me with calculation that betrays nothing of eventual decision.
"The questions are valid and will be addressed directly. First—partial dragon heritage grants partial protection under clan law, proportional to verified genetic percentage. Second—the bond, if confirmed through trial, establishes a provisional clan connection subject to final determination following bond resolution. Third—obligations include loyalty to clan interests, adherence to security protocols, and contribution of abilities to collective defense when required."
The answers provide framework without absolute commitment, political compromise rather than definitive resolution. Strategic ambiguity, of course—space created for negotiation rather than outright acceptance or rejection.
"Trial?" I question, focusing on the critical element requiring clarification.
"Ancient tradition for confirming contested bonds," explains the elderly female councilor, expression suggesting personal interest beyond political positioning. "Demonstration of compatibility through coordinated ability manifestation. Historically conducted during celestial alignment."
"Conditions tonight are optimal for trial confirmation if council approves," adds another councilor—a younger female with copper scales and calculating expression.
The timing feels suspiciously convenient, almost orchestrated despite apparent spontaneity. My mind identifies potential manipulation but remains uncertain regarding hidden agendas.
"I move for trial authorization," states the elderly councilor formally, straightening in her seat with authority that suggests significant influence despite physical appearance indicatingadvanced age. "Elder Nyra requests traditional confirmation protocol under optimal conditions."
Her support represents yet another unexpected advantage, though I remain cautious regarding her motivations.
