Page 47 of King's Reckoning
"Darkness told us a lot of things," he said without preamble. "About Elena's research, about what's hidden in our territories. About historical records that could reshape property rights across the region."
"And now you know he was manipulating everyone," Rowan said. "Playing chapters against each other while feeding intel to Blackwood."
"Yes." Cole's expression hardened. "But that doesn't change the fact that something valuable is hidden under our feet. Something worth killing for."
"Historical evidence," Barbara said from the doorway. She entered with her laptop, displaying her findings. "Documentation that predates official colonial records, proving who really settled this territory first."
She explained her analysis as Rowan studied the gathered leaders. She saw the shift in theirexpressions as reality replaced mystery. Understanding replacing uncertainty.
"The founding families weren't chosen by mystical powers," Barbara concluded. "They were entrusted with protecting these historical records until they could be properly presented. The MC territories, the careful documentation—it was all designed to keep this evidence safe until the right time."
"And now Blackwood wants to claim them," King added. "Use them for his corporate clients' purposes."
"Which are?" someone demanded.
"Based on the historical implications?" Barbara shook her head. "Control of resources. Influence over land development rights. The ability to maintain the status quo that benefits current power structures."
"Property theft legitimized by selective history," Rowan said quietly. "On a massive scale."
Murmurs rippled through the gathered leaders. Cole's expression was thoughtful as he studied Rowan.
"Elena died protecting these records," he said. "Died making sure no one could use this evidence to maintain control over territories that rightfully belong to others. To continue exploiting resources that should benefit different communities."
"Yes." Rowan met his gaze steadily. "And now Blackwood's corporate clients are trying to finish what others started generations ago. Take controlof evidence that was meant to eventually come to light."
"So what do you propose?"
Rowan thought about everything they'd learned—about carefully documented historical records and meticulously preserved evidence. About a mother's determination to protect truth until it could be properly presented.
"We do what we were always meant to do," she said firmly. "What the founding families intended. We protect these historical records from those who would suppress them. We work together to ensure they reach the right authorities, the right academic institutions."
"And Blackwood?"
"We show him exactly what happens when he underestimates the strength of shared purpose. Of loyalty that goes deeper than business interests."
Cole studied her for a long moment, then nodded. "Your mother would be proud," he said quietly. "She understood what was at stake better than any of us."
"She understood a lot of things," King added. His hand found Rowan's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Including what values needed to be protected, no matter the personal cost."
As the leaders began discussing strategy, Barbara leaned closer to Rowan. "I've been analyzing the records we recovered," she said quietly. "There's somethingyou should see."
She discreetly showed Rowan a scanned document—a land claim dating back to before official colonial records, showing territories that now encompassed multiple MC domains.
"The original claim holders," Barbara explained. "The families who truly owned this land before it was taken through manipulated records. Look at the names."
Rowan's breath caught as she recognized several surnames—including Matthews. Her mother's family.
"Elena wasn't just protecting historical records," Barbara continued. "She was protecting her family's legitimate claim to territories that were stolen generations ago. Your heritage."
Understanding washed over Rowan. This wasn't just about abstract historical justice—it was personal. Elena had been fighting to reclaim what rightfully belonged to her family, to her daughter.
As the meeting continued, Rowan felt a new clarity settling over her. Her mother's careful preparation, her insistence on following specific protocols, her determination that Rowan understand the full significance of these historical records—it all made sense now.
This was her inheritance. Not mystical powers or supernatural connections, but historical truth. Evidence that could restore what had been wrongfully taken.
When the meeting concluded, plans in place for securing the remaining artifacts and coordinatingjoint security, Rowan immediately returned to Reed's room. She found him more alert, color returning to his face despite the bandages visible beneath his hospital gown.
"How bad was it?" he asked as she settled beside him.
