The council hall was not grand.
No golden seats.
No banners.
Just stone walls and a long table worn smooth by time.
Five people sat behind it.
Men and women.
Different ages.
Different scars.
All watching quietly.
Lira felt the bond tighten not in fear, but awareness.
"These people are sharp," she whispered.
Kael felt it too.
They don't waste words.
The woman with the scar stepped forward.
"These are the ones from the ridge," she said.
"They faced the heir's champion."
A murmur moved through the room.
One council member leaned forward.
"Alive?" he asked.
"Yes," the woman replied.
"And bonded."
Eyes turned to Kael and Lira.
Not greedy.
Not hostile.
Measuring.
Another council member spoke.
"Grayhaven does not answer to the Empire," she said.
"But we do not shelter storms without cost."
Lira swallowed.
"What kind of cost?"
The woman at the center answered.
"Honesty."
Kael frowned slightly.
The Seer stepped forward.
"They won't lie," he said.
"That much I can promise."
The council member nodded.
"Good. Then answer this."
She looked directly at Lira.
"Will your bond bring the Empire to our gates?"
Lira felt Kael's intent rise—protective, firm.
She spoke clearly.
"Yes. Eventually."
Silence followed.
Then another question.
"And if that happens… will you run again?"
Kael felt the bond pulse.
No.
Lira felt it fully and spoke it aloud.
"No."
A few council members exchanged looks.
The man on the far left tapped the table.
"Brave words," he said.
"Or foolish."
Kael met his gaze.
Silent.
Unflinching.
The scarred woman smiled slightly.
"He doesn't bend easily," she said.
"That's obvious."
The central council member leaned back.
"Grayhaven can offer you shelter," she said.
"Training. Allies."
Lira's heart lifted
Then tightened.
"But?" she asked.
"But you do not hide here," the woman continued.
"You contribute."
Kael's intent was immediate.
How?
The Seer translated calmly.
"They want you to stand with them."
Another council member nodded.
"Grayhaven is neutral," he said.
"But neutrality must be defended."
Lira understood.
"You want us to stay visible."
"Yes," the woman replied.
"As proof that the Empire does not own every future."
The room went quiet again.
Kael took Lira's hand.
She felt his question clearly
Can you do this?
She squeezed back.
"Yes."
The bond warmed.
The central council member stood.
"Then hear Grayhaven's terms."
She looked at Kael.
"You will not speak for the city."
Then at Lira.
"You will not hide your bond."
"And both of you," she finished,
"will stand when Grayhaven is threatened."
Lira nodded.
Kael bowed his head once.
The woman smiled faintly.
"Then welcome," she said.
"Storm-bearers."
As they were led out of the hall, Lira exhaled slowly.
"Kael… this isn't safety."
He felt her thought and agreed.
It's a stand.
Outside, the city noise washed over them again.
But now
It felt like they belonged to something larger.
And far away
The heir would feel it soon.
A city had chosen sides.