Chapter 6020

Julian let his voice carry across the stone walls. “Gentlemen,” he said, the single word ringing sharp and clean.

He informed them that Jared would remain confined to Grace Pavilion—under watch, but unharmed. Then his tone shifted, turning colder.

“There’s something more urgent.”

He paused, a chill flashing through his eyes. “The celestial envoy will arrive in three days, as scheduled, to collect this season’s tribute and soul crystals.”

At the mention of soul crystals, unease flickered across every elder’s face.

They all knew what those crystals were—and where they came from.

Quentin and the Turner brothers had handled the dirty work, but the seal on the order bore Julian’s signature. No one in that chamber was naive.