Chapter 53

Mara's POV

The map beneath our feet kept turning red.

Twenty-three territories became twenty-six before Soren finished reading the first set of warnings.

"What does seize it first mean?" I asked.

Adeline's image shifted in the basin. "Command is an artificial channel. When central routing fails, available authority seeks local anchors."

Lucien rubbed his forehead. "Normal language again."

"An Alpha may become stronger," Soren said slowly. "Or a Beta. Or anyone carrying enough command-linked blood or oath recognition."

Gideon looked at his father. "Founder blood."

"Founder blood is one possible anchor," Adeline confirmed.

Severin did not deny it.