124: My home

Killian’s POV

The cabinet meeting was supposed to be a discussion of our strategies and defenses against the rogue attacks. Instead, it had devolved into an aggressive interrogation about Elaine, and my patience was wearing thin. The room was filled with the scent of anxiety and anger, the elders' voices rising in volume and hostility.

"Elder Corwin, we've been through this," I said, struggling to keep my voice level. "Elaine is not responsible for the rogue attacks."

"How can you be so sure, Killian?" Corwin snapped back, his eyes flashing with suspicion. "She appears out of nowhere, and suddenly, we have rogues at our borders? It's too coincidental."

The murmurs of agreement from the other elders were like a chorus of dissent. My blood boiled. They were supposed to be my advisors, my support. Instead, they were turning this meeting into a witch hunt.

"Elders, I will not tolerate these baseless accusations," I said, my voice growing colder. "Elaine is innocent until proven otherwise.