Jayden's POV
When I briefed my father about last night's council meeting, concern etched deep lines across his weathered face. He pressed for details, wanting to understand the true nature of what I had called together.
But I held back the full truth. Not yet. If I revealed everything now, he would handle this matter behind closed doors, keeping it contained within the family. That wasn't my intention.
I needed this exposed publicly. I wanted every member of our community to witness the severing of whatever twisted connection had bound Sylvia and me together.
Dawn broke as I found my father positioned on his ceremonial seat, his fingers drumming an anxious rhythm against his knee. The uncertainty was eating at him. He had never known me to convene the Elders without providing clear justification beforehand.
"Son," his voice cut through the morning stillness as the last Elder took their place. "We begin now."
I rose and gave a single, decisive nod.
