-Alexia-
The chamber doors groaned open, ancient hinges resisting movement like they knew what waited inside.
I stepped into the Council Hall with Finn just behind me. Morigan didn't speak—only gestured for me to continue toward the five thrones that loomed like carved judgments at the end of the long stone aisle.
Each seat was occupied.
Thorne Vaelros, shadows curled like mist at his feet.
Aelira Dawnmire, her silvery wings folded tight.
Rhian Kael, watching me like a hawk eyes a mouse.
Seraphine Vexhart, cool and composed.
And Magnus Virell, whose scowl could cut granite.
I swallowed hard. The air itself was heavier here. Like it didn't want me to breathe.
"Alexia Mae Carter," Seraphine said, voice smooth and sharp. "We appreciate your willingness to come."
"I wasn't aware it was optional," I said before I could stop myself.
A few brows twitched. Magnus didn't hide his annoyance. "Let's not mistake politeness for leniency."
Finn's hand brushed mine. Silent reassurance.
Thorne leaned forward, fingers steepled. "Do you know why you've been called here?"
I shook my head slowly. "No. Not exactly."
"It's about Gideon Marek," Aelira said softly.
The name hit like a punch.
I stiffened. "What about him?"
Rhian tilted his head. "He's visited you. Twice."
"That's none of your business," I snapped.
"It became our business," Magnus said, "the moment chaos magic surged in Whisperwind's core after your last interaction with him."
My stomach twisted. "How… How did you even know about Gideon?"
They didn't answer right away.
Then Thorne said, "Asher told us."
My heart dropped. "He—what?"
Aelira glanced down, almost apologetic. "He was concerned. He thought you were in danger. That you might be losing control."
I took a shaky step back.
No. No, not Asher. He wouldn't—
But the look in their eyes said otherwise.
"And the mate bonds?" Rhian asked casually. "Did you know you've formed connections with four supernatural royals in less than a month?"
"That wasn't—" I cut off, exhaling hard. "I didn't mean to. I didn't do it on purpose."
Seraphine raised an elegant brow. "Then perhaps you did mean to form a bond with Gideon?"
"No!" My voice echoed too loudly.
Aelira tried to be calm. "Alexia, we need to understand what's happening to you. Chaos magic doesn't follow normal rules. You may be unintentionally manipulating those around you—"
"I'm not manipulating anyone," I snapped. "I didn't even know about binding spells until last week."
Rhian interjected, "But you used one. With Asher. Or didn't you realize what you were doing?"
My throat went dry.
Binding spell.
Is that what that pulse of magic was?
"No," I said quietly. "I didn't know."
"Dangerous," Magnus muttered. "Ignorant and powerful is a lethal combination."
And that was it.
That was the last stone on the pile.
The chamber trembled.
A pulse—deep, low, vibrating through the stone floor like a living heartbeat.
"Alexia," Finn said sharply, but his voice felt far away.
I couldn't breathe.
Not from panic.
From fury.
"You want to judge me?" I hissed, chaos flaring beneath my skin like liquid stars. "You think you know me? I didn't ask for this magic. I didn't ask to be anyone's daughter. I didn't choose this!"
Thorne stood slowly. "Alexia, we need you to calm—"
"I am calm!"
The lie shattered as my control snapped like a frayed wire.
Power exploded from me.
The Council's sigils flared to life around the room—ancient wards crackling blue, trying to contain the blast. The air warped, stone cracked, Aelira's wings flared. Rhian summoned a shield of wind. Seraphine's eyes blazed as her magic rose to meet mine.
And Finn—he stood still.
Didn't flinch.
Didn't move.
Just looked at me with that steady, open expression that made it all so much worse.
Because I was coming apart—and he wasn't running.
Not yet.
But how long before they all did?
I dropped to my knees as the magic howled and hissed, burning itself out.
Smoke curled from the cracks in the floor.
Silence settled like ash.
Aelira moved first, stepping down from the dais. Her voice was soft. "This is what we feared."
I didn't look up. I couldn't.
Because I wasn't sure if I was ashamed of what I'd done—or just…relieved to finally stop pretending I was fine.