Chapter 30 · The Case Buried in Ash

"Step away from that map."

Kael's voice cut through the archive chamber like a blade. He moved forward, putting himself between Sienna and Asher's smug face.

Asher didn't flinch. He stood over the glowing bloodline map, one hand still pressed to the seal Sienna's stolen blood had opened. The red lines pulsed, tracing routes across what looked like the eastern territories.

"Or what?" Asher smiled. "You'll assault a Council Speaker in the Moonsworn archive? That's another ten years, Thorne. Minimum."

"Worth it," Kael said.

Sienna's hand caught his arm. Her fingers were cold. "Don't."

He looked back at her. She was pale, eyes locked on the map. On the glowing point marked in the east.

Her birthplace. The place her family died.

"Smart girl," Asher said. He traced a finger along one of the red lines. "You know what this is, don't you?"

Sienna's throat moved. "A bloodline map."

"Not just any bloodline." Asher tapped the eastern mark. "Ashveil territory. Pre-purge. Every house, every safe hold, every place your ancestors hid their secrets before the Council decided your family was too dangerous to let live."

Kael felt Sienna go rigid beside him.