"There's an upcoming Symposium," I added, my voice colder than I intended. "If she truly plans to unveil her work in front of the Council, that's where we need to strike. We can't wait until the last second—if we give her time to consolidate her supporters, we'll be crushed before we make a move."
Kyrion glanced at me, his youthful face devoid of any lightness he'd shown before. "The Symposium. Of course." His tone dipped, and I couldn't tell if it was from concern or quiet frustration. "But there's one unknown factor we need to consider first." He paused, taking in a slow breath, as though weighing how much he dared reveal. "I suspect Lisanor has backing—someone powerful enough to support her from the shadows, shielding her from the usual scrutiny."
That remark lit a spark of unease in my chest. "You're certain?"
