"You are no longer welcome in the council."
Gabriel opened his mouth, but Luciver wasn't done. "You are forbidden from meeting with any council member in private, and the next treasonous action from you will result in your death." He didn't raise his voice—it was calm, steady. Terrifying in its quiet conviction. "I have tolerated you long enough."
Gabriel stood there, trembling, every fiber of his pride shredded before the nobility he once hoped to rule. "You will crumble this city," he spat, trying to maintain some shred of control. "You bring the likes of him…" He gestured toward Sage Veyron, as though the man were a disease. "Give them noble positions and allow them into the inner circle. Mark my words, some day you will regret this."
Luciver turned to Luna. "Princess, you should rest for the rest of the day. I'm sure these proceedings have been quite hectic for you."
"Thank you," she whispered, brushing back a loose strand of hair.
"Damien, stay with her."
