Aria's POV
Joshua placed several documents on the table. "The old Council has issued a statement to every territory."
Damon's expression darkened. "What kind of statement?"
Joshua looked at me. "They're calling you an illegitimate leader."
I picked up the first document. My eyes moved across the statement. The old Council was demanding that every territory refuse to cooperate with our investigation.
Their justification was simple. They claimed I was an illegitimate leader who had seized control of the Council and was now using its authority to destroy them.
My jaw tightened. "They're trying to turn the territories against us."
Joshua scoffed. "They're desperate."
"They're cornered," Damon corrected. His voice was low. "That makes them even more dangerous."
I looked at him. Our eye
