Aria's POV
I leaned back in my chair. "Starting a political war."
His eyebrow rose. "That sounds like something I should be concerned about."
"You should." I pushed the proposal toward him. "The Council won't stop pressuring me about the sealed territory. As you already know, they want researchers stationed there so they can access its power."
His expression hardened. "Don't ever let them get that access."
"I won't," I let out a breath. "But they'll keep trying."
Damon picked up the proposal and began reading. I watched his expression change as he went through the details. Finally, he looked up. "You're forming an alliance with the nine peripheral territories."
I leaned back. "Yes. I must do that to reduce the Council's influence."
Damon's mouth curved slightly. "That sounds like a
