Page 247 of Elemental Becoming

“I agree. But if the Shadowed Hand has spent years infiltrating cities, governments, and military strongholds, then why would they risk exposing a valuable agent for a single attack?”

Sienna’s eyes narrow slightly, and Garrick shifts forward in his chair.

I continue before I lose my nerve.

“If they have someone close enough to compromise the castle’s defenses, then that person is valuable. Important.” My gaze moves between them. “So either the attack was worth sacrificing that asset . . . ”

The thought hangs in the air.

“Or the attack wasn’t the objective.”

Silence follows, but this time it feels different. The council is turning the idea over, following its implications to places they hadn’t considered before.

Valen drums his fingers. Even Edric’s expression shifts.

“What are you suggesting?” Sienna asks.

I take a breath.

“I’m suggesting that if the Shadowed Hand is really in the capital, then getting into the castle may have been a means to an end. Maybe we should stop asking how they got in and start asking what they came for.”

Edric answers immediately. “They came for you.”

The certainty in his voice leaves little room for doubt.

“You are the Spiritborn. The most powerful weapon in the realm. Taking you would have changed the course of the war.”

“Maybe.” I hold his gaze. “But there was a ballroom full of soldiers, mages, and channelers. Some of the strongest people in the realm were all in that room.”

I spread both hands on the table.

“If their goal was to take me, then they chose to strike while I was surrounded by people capable of stopping them.”

A crease forms between Edric’s brows.

“They knew exactly who would be there. The council. Nobles from around the realm. The Warlord. Dragon riders. Elemental wielders.” My gaze moves around the table. “And they attacked anyway. Why choose that day at that event?”

Sienna purses her lips. “What are you suggesting?”

I think back to the attack. The chaos. The way everything happened at once.

“I’m suggesting they expected resistance.” My pulse quickens as the thought takes shape. “Maybe even planned for it.”

Understanding flickers across Valen’s face. I look at Edric.

“If they were willing to risk exposing an asset inside the capital, then either taking me was worth any cost . . . ” I pause. “Or taking me was never the only objective.”

“The nobles,” Sienna suggests. “Half the realm’s political leadership was gathered in a single room. Remove enough of them and you create panic, instability, and power vacuums across every clan.”

“Symbolism,” Orlon adds. “The Spiritborn’s first public appearance. A gathering of clan leaders. There is value in striking at a symbol.”

Valen finally joins the conversation. “The wards.”

Every head turns toward him.

“If someone inside the capital helped weaken them, then the attack also served as a test. They now know what our defensescan withstand and where they are vulnerable.”

“A test,” Garrick agrees. “And a message.”