Chapter 612

Piper's POV

The Elder Council precinct loomed before me, austere and imposing. Its white stone walls gleamed under the midday sun, and the argent crest of the Council glinted like a sentinel's eye-watchful, unyielding, a symbol of law and order that demanded respect. I took a deep breath, feeling my chest tighten with a mix of fear and determination. This was no ordinary path I was walking; there