THE UNBROKEN

The sea was silver that morning in Port Clairy, the rising sun slicing through mist like a blade through silk.

And through that mist came the banners of House Matteo.

But not Siobhan's.

Midnight black banners stitched with golden thread, the sigil of the lion flanked by the storm spiral. Carried high and proud by riders in ceremonial armor, cloaks billowing like wings.

At their center rode Phineus Matteo.

His posture straight. His face grim. A golden sash denoting his allegiance to the United Territories of Yidali and the Coabey Cemi Coalition gleamed across his shoulder.

He had arrived in Veracchia with purpose.

Within the hour, Phineus marched through the marble halls of Parliament. His arrival sent whispers through the chamber. Senators and delegates leaned over to murmur behind their hands as he walked past, the rhythmic thump of boots echoing through the rotunda.

Then- luck, or fate.

Siobhan was there, seated smugly among the Veracchian delegates. She turned just as he approached the floor, and for one brief moment, her face twitched.

Surprise. Rage. Fear.

He bowed curtly before the chamber, then stood tall.

"Honored Delegates of Veracchia," his voice rang through the chamber, firm and clear, "I stand here not only as a Matteo, but as the rightful heir to House Matteo of the United Territories of Yidali. I come with the authority of our Parliament, and the full backing of the Coabey Cemi Coalition."

A hush fell.

Even Siobhan dared not interrupt. Not yet.

"I come to speak for those who have been silenced. For those whose stories were twisted, manipulated. For Niegal Matteo- your former Viscount, forced into exile to save his people from Church persecution. For Elena, our Doña Guabancex, the living storm. And for their daughter, Esperanza, who was kidnapped by Siobhan's forces in an attempt to bait them into a trap."

He turned, his voice sharpened like steel on stone. Nearly a growl.

"This is the work of cowards. Not nobles."

Gasps rippled through the chamber. Siobhan stood, her mouth already opening in protest, but he raised a hand, and the Parliament Speaker nodded for silence.

"I bring proof."

Phineus gestured behind him.

One by one, his retinue stepped forward: diplomats, warriors, witnesses. A healer who had treated Elena. A spy who saw Esperanza taken. A young priest from the Cemi faith, who bore the scars of being tortured for information about the storm-born child.

Each gave eyewitness testimony, under oath and seal.

Phineus finished:

"If harm comes to them- any harm- the United Territories of Yidali, alongside the Coabey Cemi Coalition, will consider it an act of war."

His voice did not tremble. It seemed to boom with power.

"We are no longer begging for justice. We are demanding it."

"And as for you, Siobhan- " he turned slowly, eyes narrowing like a blade's edge, "you are no heir. You are a thief. You are a liar. And worst of all: you are a coward, hiding behind your father's name and your wealth while a true family built peace with blood and bone."

The chamber erupted. Shouting, gasping, several delegates stood and demanded action.

Then the Speaker of Parliament banged the ceremonial staff.

"Siobhan Marcella Matteo, by order of this council and under the authority of Veracchia's laws of sovereignty and succession, you are hereby placed under arrest."

Siobhan shrieked. Guards rushed in. Her hands were bound in iron cuffs as she was dragged from the floor.

But even as she was forced to her knees, she twisted and howled at Phineus.

"You're too late!" she spat, voice shrill with fury. "You think she's safe? You think the storm witch will ever be safe again?! This is only the beginning! I still have allies- you'll see!"

She thrashed like a beast.

Phineus clenched his fists.

It took everything in him not to lunge for her. Not to let the fury spill out. His blood screamed for vengeance, but his soul knew better.

He would not dishonor the storm and the lion by spilling blood on polished marble.

Instead, he bowed once more to the chamber.

"You have made the right choice today. And in doing so, you may have saved not just a family, but your entire country."

Then, without another glance at Siobhan, he turned and walked out- his silver hawk circling above as if to call for thunder.