Chapter 34. Council of Power

The Council chamber at dusk felt like a cathedral of glass and steel—vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, and an air of solemn expectation. Harper entered first, followed closely by Knox and Arthur. The city sprawled beneath them like a living circuit board, lights pulsing in distant grids. They stood together at the semicircular dais, each representing a pillar of Ledger’s next chapter: founder, director, architect.

A hush fell as board members, investor delegates, and senior analysts took their seats. Lilah sat off to one side, guarded but poised, her gaze sharp as carved obsidian. This chamber was their stage, and tonight they would set the balance of power.

Arthur opened softly: “Welcome to the inaugural meeting of the Council of Power—an oversight body meant to bridge legacy architecture and future functionality.” His voice carried weight, tempered by sincerity. “Ledger exists on the fulcrum of trust. Resetting that axis requires structure—and accountability by both