Dawn brought an urgent summons from Raymond: "Council emergency meeting. Attendance mandatory."
I dressed quickly, the sudden emergency after last night's ceremony triggering all my suspicions. Whatever Giana had planned was accelerating.
"We intercepted messages between your father and unknown contacts," Kane reported through the communication device as I hurried through the corridors. "Something's happening today."
"Can you identify who he's communicating with?" I asked, pausing in an alcove.
"Not yet. The encryption is sophisticated—military grade. Not something a typical Beta would have access to."
That detail alone was concerning. My father had resources beyond what his position should provide.
The council chamber was tense when I arrived, Raymond and Giana already seated at the
