Chapter 1

Harper

I stood in the centre of the Council chamber, my feet planted firmly on the ancient stone floor as I faced the semi-circular arrangement of elders and representatives. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of dozens of judgmental stares pressing down on me.

"The demon-bloods are a threat that must be contained," Councilman Hendricks continued, his voice booming through the chamber. "After the events at Midnight Moon, we cannot afford to take chances. Registration at minimum, containment as a precaution." I clenched my jaw, fighting to maintain my composure. 

"And what exactly would this 'containment' look like, Councilman?" I asked, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "Because from where I'm standing, it sounds an awful lot like imprisonment based on bloodline."

The chamber erupted in murmurs, and I caught sight of Drake at the edge of my vision, his ancient eyes watching the proceedings with calculated patience. Unlike me, he'd seen centuries of Council politics. I was still learning to navigate these waters without drowning or setting everything on fire.

"Ms Kirby," Elder Valencia, a fae as old as Drake himself, responded, her silver hair catching the light from the enchanted chandeliers above. "You must understand our position. The demon-bloods have been at the centre of multiple breaches, including the destabilisation of a seal. The Circle's activities-"

"Were orchestrated by Nathaniel Bethrinton," I cut in, "who, may I remind the Council, was a trusted member of your ranks for decades while secretly running a criminal organisation to undermine you." I swept my gaze across their faces. "If you want to talk about infiltration and threats, perhaps we should discuss your vetting procedures instead." A muscle twitched in Valencia's jaw. Score one for me.

"Harper," Drake's voice came softly from beside me, a gentle warning to tread carefully.

I took a deep breath, trying to centre myself. Getting angry wouldn't help my case, but goddess, they made it difficult. These people had sat in their ivory towers for centuries, making decisions about lives they barely understood. Meanwhile, I'd been on the ground, fighting and bleeding alongside other warriors as well as those they now wanted to "contain."

"The Council's understanding of demon-bloods has been limited at best and deliberately misleading at worst," I continued, moderating my tone. "For generations, your policies have been shaped by fear and prejudice, much of it stemming from Samual Kirby's personal vendetta."

At the mention of my grandfather, several Council members shifted uncomfortably. Good. They should feel uncomfortable.

"My own grandfather," I pressed on, “the former Sovereign of this Council, attempted to kill me, a Divine Warrior, simply because I refused to condemn all demon-bloods and because of some stupid thing he had heard from a delusional woman years ago.” I hated acting as if the prophecy Caroline had told us was the words of a rambling madwoman, but the last thing we needed was the Council knowing the exact details. Drake and I had agreed that certain things we had learnt needed to be kept secret, at least for now. “He shot a woman in cold blood for trying to help me against those who actually wished us harm. Are these the values the Council wishes to uphold?”

"Your familial disputes are not relevant to Council policy," a thin man with spectacles countered from the far right. I felt Maia stir beneath my skin, responding to my rising anger. 

"When the former Sovereign attempts to murder a Divine Warrior, it becomes extremely relevant to Council policy, Councilman."

Drake stepped forward, his movement smooth and deliberate. Unlike me, he knew how to command a room without raising his voice. Centuries of practice, I supposed.

"What Harper is trying to articulate," he began, his voice carrying a weight that came from thousands of years of existence, "is that perhaps it's time for the Council to reassess its fundamental approach. The Divine Order predates this Council and was established to protect the balance between realms. I propose that the Order resume its original authority over Council matters, particularly regarding demon-bloods and seal maintenance."

More murmurs rippled through the chamber, some outraged, others considering.

"We would conduct a full review of existing laws and practices," Drake continued. "Including a thorough examination of past 'cleansings' that may have been motivated by personal vendettas rather than actual threats."

"This is outrageous," Councilman Hendricks sputtered. "The Divine Order has been a ceremonial body for centuries. You cannot simply waltz in and demand control."

"Ceremonial by whose decree?" Drake asked mildly. "Not by the original charter. The Order stepped back to allow the Council to govern day-to-day affairs, but the ultimate authority on matters of the seals and the balance between realms has always rested with us."

I watched the Council members’ faces, reading their reactions. Some seemed thoughtful, others outright hostile. Politics had never been my strong suit; I was more comfortable with a blade in my hand than words in my mouth, but even I could tell we were facing an uphill battle.

"The Divine Order is compromised," a voice called out from the back of the chamber.

I turned to see Councilwoman Mercer rise from her seat, her sharp features set in a disapproving frown. "Harper Kirby may carry the title of Divine Warrior, but she is mated to a demon-blood. How can we trust her judgment isn't clouded by her... personal attachments?" My hands curled into fists at my sides. 

"My mate's bloodline doesn't affect my ability to do my duty," I said, fighting to keep my voice level.

"Doesn't it?" Mercer pressed, stepping forward. "You've spent months living among demon-bloods. You've formed alliances with them. Some even call you their Queen." She spat the last word like it was poison. I felt a chill run down my spine. How did she know about that? We'd been careful to keep my new relationship with the reformed demon-bloods quiet.

"Your proximity to Hell's influence should disqualify you from making decisions about demon-blood policy," Mercer continued, clearly enjoying the murmurs of agreement from her colleagues.

"My proximity, as you call it, gives me insight none of you possess," I countered, heat rising in my cheeks. "I've fought alongside demon-bloods who chose to stand against corruption. I've witnessed their sacrifice firsthand." The image of Colton flashed in my mind, his face as the flames consumed him in the Neverplain, taking War with him, a sacrifice that he made to protect me. I pushed the memory away. I couldn't afford to show emotion now.

"And what of Brighid?" Elder Valencia interjected, her voice cutting through the tension. "A Divine Warrior for longer than any of us really know, dead by your hand. How do you explain that, Ms Kirby?" The chamber fell silent, all eyes on me.

"Brighid was working with the Horsemen," I said, my voice steady despite the anger churning in my gut. "She tried to kill me in the Neverplain during our mission to close the seal and free Elias from War's possession."

"Convenient," Mercer sneered. "The only witness to this supposed betrayal is you."

"And me," Drake added coolly. "I was present in the Neverplain and witnessed Brighid's attack on Harper, as well as her intentions to take the throne of Hell."

"With all due respect, Drake," Valencia said, though her tone suggested very little respect, "your testimony is hardly impartial. You've aligned yourself with Ms. Kirby from the beginning."

"Because she's right," Drake replied simply.

I could feel the room slipping away from us. The Council had already made up their minds before we'd even entered the chamber. This wasn't a hearing; it was a formality before they did what they'd already decided to do.

"The Divine Order proposes a full reassessment of our approach to demon-bloods," I said, trying one more time. "We have evidence that many are victims of manipulation and coercion by higher powers. They deserve the chance to be judged as individuals, not condemned as a group."

"And what of those who've committed crimes?" Hendricks demanded. "The Circle members who trafficked in misery and death? Would you have us pardon them as well?"

"Of course not," I said through gritted teeth. "Those who've committed crimes should face justice. But being born with demon blood isn't a crime."

"It's a corruption," Mercer said coldly. "A taint on our world that threatens the very seals we're sworn to protect." I felt my grace flare beneath my skin, responding to my anger. The sigil on my back burned, a reminder of who and what I was. 

"That 'taint' you're so quick to condemn helped save your world," I said, my voice dangerously low. "While you sat here in your chamber, demon-bloods fought and died to protect the seal at Midnight Moon."

"And others worked to destroy it," Valencia countered. "You cannot deny the threat they pose."

"I don't deny that some are dangerous," I admitted. "But so are some witches, some werewolves, some vampires. We don't condemn entire species for the actions of individuals."

"Demon-bloods aren't a species," Mercer said dismissively. "They're corrupted versions of our kind, twisted by Hell's influence." I took a step forward, my patience wearing thin. 

"They are people with souls and choices, just like anyone else in this room. And they deserve the same rights and considerations."

Drake placed a hand on my arm, a silent warning to rein in my temper. I knew he was right, but goddess, it was hard to remain calm in the face of such wilful ignorance.

"The Divine Order's proposal is clear," Drake said, addressing the Council with the authority of his position. "We advocate for a comprehensive review of all policies regarding demon-bloods, conducted under the supervision of the Order rather than the Council. This would include case-by-case assessments rather than blanket policies."

"And in the meantime?" Hendricks asked. "While you conduct this 'review,' what becomes of the demon-bloods currently in custody? Those identified as threats?"

"They remain secure," Drake assured him. "We're not suggesting throwing open the doors. We're suggesting a fair and thorough process to determine who poses a genuine threat and who doesn't."

I watched the Council members' faces, trying to gauge whether we were making any headway. Some seemed thoughtful, but too many remained closed off, their minds already made up.

"We have heard enough," Elder Valencia announced suddenly, rising from her seat. "The Council will deliberate on the Divine Order's proposal." I felt a flicker of hope. At least they were willing to consider it.

But then Councilwoman Mercer stepped into the centre of the chamber, her eyes fixed on me with cold determination. 

"Before we adjourn, there is another matter to address. Harper Kirby stands before us not just as a Divine Warrior, but as someone who has repeatedly defied Council authority, formed alliances with known enemies, and killed a fellow Divine Warrior." My hope evaporated as quickly as it had appeared.

"I move that Ms Kirby be detained pending a full investigation into her actions and the extent of her... compromised loyalties," Mercer continued, her voice ringing through the chamber.

"On what grounds?" Drake demanded, his ancient calm finally cracking.

"Suspicion of treason against the Council, collusion with demon-bloods, and the murder of Brighid," Mercer replied smoothly. "Among other charges to be determined."

The chamber erupted in voices, some protesting, others agreeing. I stood frozen in the centre of it all, disbelief giving way to a cold, hard anger that settled in my chest. Elder Valencia raised her hand for silence, and gradually, the room fell quiet 

"The motion has been put forward," she said, her eyes not quite meeting mine. "Those in favour?" Hands rose around the chamber, not all, but enough. More than enough.

"The motion passes," Valencia announced, her voice betraying a hint of regret. "Harper Kirby is to be detained pending investigation."

At her words, guards began to move from the edges of the chamber, converging on me with grim determination. I recognised a few faces, warriors I'd trained with, fought alongside. Now they wouldn't meet my eyes as they approached to take me into custody.

"This is a mistake," I said, my voice carrying across the suddenly silent chamber. "While you waste time persecuting me, the real threats continue to grow. The Horsemen won't wait for your investigations to conclude."

"Harper," Drake murmured beside me. "Don't resist. We'll handle this legally."

I knew he was right. Fighting would only prove their point and give them the excuse they needed to label me the threat they already believed me to be. So I stood tall as the guards surrounded me, my chin raised in defiance, even as one stepped forward with silver enchanted restraints designed to suppress my wolf and grace.

"These won't be necessary," Drake said sharply. "She's not resisting."

"Protocol, sir," the guard replied, not meeting either of our eyes. I extended my wrists, a bitter smile twisting my lips. 

"Go ahead," I said. "Make yourselves feel safe." The cold metal closed around my wrists, and I felt the immediate dampening of my grace, like a blanket thrown over a fire. It didn't extinguish it, but it muffled it, contained it.

I allowed the guards to guide me toward the chamber doors, my back straight, my head high. I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing me broken or afraid. As we reached the doors, I caught Drake's eye across the chamber. He gave me a slight nod, a promise that this wasn't over, that he wouldn't abandon me to their mercy.

The heavy doors closed behind us with a resonant thud, and I was led down the corridor toward whatever cell they deemed suitable for a "compromised" Divine Warrior. The guards' footsteps echoed against the stone, a rhythmic backdrop to the thoughts racing through my mind. The bitter irony wasn't lost on me. I'd spent months fighting to protect the world from genuine threats, only to be detained by the very institution that should have been supporting that fight. It was almost enough to make me laugh if it weren't so infuriating.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked the guard beside me, a tall werewolf with a stoic expression.

"Secure holding," he replied tersely. "Level three." Level three. Reserved for supernatural beings considered high risk. I'd never been down there myself, but I'd heard stories. Enhanced wards, suppression fields, constant monitoring. They really did see me as a threat.

"You know this is wrong," I said quietly, not as a challenge but as a simple statement of fact.

The guard's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond. None of them did. They just kept marching, their eyes fixed ahead, doing their duty without question.

As we descended deeper into the Council complex, away from the light and into the shadows where they kept their secrets and their fears, I made a silent promise to myself and to everyone counting on me: This wasn't the end. Not by a long shot.