Chapter 19 - The Day the World Stopped Turning》

○○ Sara's Pov. ○○

I SAT IN THE GRAND ROOM, MY GAZE FOCUSED ON WHATS IN FRONT OF ME. The tension in the air was thick, almost suffocating, as the Emperor and the council members took their seats, their eyes fixed on the man who had defied tradition..my brother. I could see him trying to tough, though the unease was visible.

I glanced over at my parents, who were seated beside me. Both of them were quieter and almost unreadable expressions, though I could tell they were just as anxious as I was. The idea of Seth challenging the ways of Evalon wasn't something they had expected. Father, especially, even he couldn't deny how important Seth's bond with Katriona was.

I shifted in my seat, my hands clenched tightly in my lap as the silence stretched on. The council members whispered amongst themselves, their voices low but sharp, as the Emperor made his way to the front of the room. His presence alone commanded authority, a sense of power that filled the room and made it difficult for anyone to breathe freely.

"Seth, you have come before us today to explain your decision," the Emperor's voice rang out, steady and commanding. "We, the council, seek to understand why you have chosen to be with your human mate, defying the centuries-old traditions of our people."

My heart pounded in my chest, I couldn't help but look at my brother. He stood tall, his eyes locked on the Emperor with unwavering confidence, despite the gravity of the situation.

"Yes, Emperor," Seth replied, his voice calm but firm. "I have chosen to be with Katriona. Our connection is not something that can be dismissed. It is deeper than tradition, deeper than the laws of Evalon."

There was a murmur of surprise and disapproval among the council members. Mom and Father exchanged a brief, concerned glance, but it was Father who finally spoke, her voice a bit softer than usual.

"Seth," he said, her tone firm but not unkind, "this is not just a matter of personal choice. You are defying centuries of tradition. The future of Evalon could be at stake if you insist on staying on Earth. Do you understand the gravity of what you're doing?"

Seth's gaze softened as he looked at her, and then, his eyes flickered briefly toward Sara before he spoke again.

"I do understand," he said, his voice carrying the weight of someone who had thought long and hard about his decision. "But what good is tradition if it stands in the way of what is right? Katriona and I are soul bonded in the eyes of Evalon. And that bond is something I am not willing to break, not for the sake of tradition or anything else."

I felt a surge of pride for Seth in that moment, even though I knew his words would not be enough to sway the council. I saw our parents exchange glances again, and I could tell the tension was mounting. It was clear that Seth was standing his ground, but would the council accept his defiance?

The Emperor's gaze never left Seth. "You claim this bond is stronger than tradition," he said slowly, his voice cold but intrigued. "But understand, Seth, the traditions of Evalon have sustained us for millennia. Your choices will have consequences, not just for you, but for the future of our people."

Seth took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for the fight ahead. "I'm willing to face those consequences. Katriona is my future. She is my home. I will do whatever it takes to be with her."

There was a long pause, the room heavy with the silence of anticipation. The council members exchanged uncertain looks, their minds clearly divided. I could see the tension in our parents, but I also saw something else in them-something softer, as though they were beginning to understand what Seth had chosen.

Finally, the Emperor spoke again, his voice measured but filled with the weight of his decision.

"Then you will face those consequences, Seth. But know this: we will not make this decision lightly."

"Seth," the Emperor continued, "you have long been a loyal son of Evalon, but your choice to stay on Earth with your human mate, Katriona Davine, has fractured that loyalty. Jedric has more supporters than you, and the decision now lies with you: you must choose, once and for all, between Evalon and the life you wish to lead with Katriona on Earth."

Seth's face remained calm, but I could see the strain in his eyes. He looked between the Emperor and the council, knowing the weight of the decision that rested upon him.

"I've made my decision," Seth said, his voice clear, though tinged with emotion. "I choose."

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○○Katriona's Pov. ○○

I was pacing back and forth in my room, my mind racing as I replayed the cryptic call from Sara over and over again. My palms were clammy, and my heart pounded erratically. Something had happened-something big. I had tried calling Seth multiple times, but the calls went straight to voicemail.

Finally, the sound of my phone ringing jolted me from my thoughts. I scrambled to grab it, my trembling hands almost dropping the device. The screen displayed Sara's name.

"Sara!" I answered breathlessly, not even bothering with a greeting. "What's going on? Is Seth okay? Please, just tell me-"

"He's fine," Sara's voice came through, steady but heavy with emotion. "But... Katriona, you need to sit down for this."

"Why?" I snapped, the anxiety in my chest bubbling into frustration. "Just tell me what's going on!"

Sara hesitated, and I could hear her take a deep breath before speaking.

"Seth... he's been exiled from Evalon."