Page 57 of King's Reckoning
Reed's soft laugh suggested he knew exactly what she was thinking. "Sleep first," he said firmly. "Then future planning."
Rowan smiled as she snuggled closer, letting his steady heartbeat lull her toward much-needed rest. "Promise?"
His arms tightened carefully around her. "Promise."
And Rowan believed him. Because Reed Morrison was a man of his word.
Especially when it came to promises made to the woman he loved.
The woman who loved him right back, with everything she was.
Historical artifacts and corporate conspiracies aside, that was the only truth that really mattered.
A truth worth protecting. Worth fighting for.
Worth living for.
The clubhouse chapel felt different in the pre-dawn quiet, its walls bearing fresh scars from recent events. Rowan studied the gathered faces around the table—representatives from multiple chapters come together for this historic meeting. Two weeks had passed since the hospital confrontation, time spent coordinating witness protection and securing the evidence they'd fought to preserve.
"Blackwood’s legal teams have finally withdrawn their initial injunctions," Cole reported, spreading documents across the table. "Official statements now acknowledge the need for 'further historical review' of the territory claims. No direct admission, but a significant retreat from their previous position."
"Blackwood's people are regrouping," King added. "They've started building a narrative about 'contextualizing historical evidence' rather than dismissing it outright. As close to a victory as we could expect at this stage."
"And the witnesses?" Rowan asked. She sat at King's right hand, Reed's solidpresence behind her chair providing silent support as she recovered from her own injuries.
"Secure," Barbara replied, checking her tablet. "Dr. Beasley and the other historians have been provided with academic protection through multiple universities. Several chapters coordinating security on a rotating basis."
Rowan nodded, feeling some of her tension ease. They'd managed to protect most of the people who had helped authenticate the historical evidence, ensuring their professional credibility remained intact despite corporate pressure.
"Which brings us to the matter at hand," King said, his voice carrying in the quiet room. "The future of our territories. Our alliances. Our approach moving forward."
Murmurs rippled through the gathered leaders. The events of recent weeks had shattered old rivalries, forced them to reconsider long-held beliefs about territory and competition.
"The secrecy served its purpose," Cole spoke up. "Kept these historical records protected when powerful interests wanted them buried. But now that the truth is emerging..."
"Now we have an opportunity," Rowan finished. "To build something stronger than old rivalries and territory disputes. To work together ensuring these truths receive proper recognition and consideration."
She felt Reed's reassuring hand brush her shoulder as she outlined her proposal. A newalliance between chapters, built on shared heritage rather than competition. A network dedicated to supporting the legal process as these historical claims were evaluated.
"It won't be easy," she acknowledged. "We've got history. Bad blood between chapters that can't be erased overnight. But we've seen what happens when we let those divisions weaken us. When we fight each other instead of protecting our shared interests."
"And what exactly are those interests?" someone asked. "Now that the historical records are public, the authentication confirmed..."
"We're protecting the truth," Rowan said firmly. "Making sure these records receive fair consideration despite corporate influence. Ensuring that justice finally has its day in court."
"While supporting the communities whose heritage has been denied for generations," Reed added. "Using our collective resources to ensure proper representation throughout the legal process."
More murmurs, but different now. Rowan recognized the shift in tone—from skepticism to consideration. These men had seen firsthand the lengths to which corporate interests would go to suppress the truth. Had fought together to prevent that suppression.
"There's something else to consider," Barbara spoke up. "The research Elena collected, the comprehensive documentation of land claims. It'snot just about these specific territories anymore. It's about creating a framework for addressing similar historical injustices across the region."
She displayed maps on her tablet, showing how the territories connected to larger patterns of historical displacement and resource appropriation. About how their work could set precedents for other communities seeking recognition of their legitimate claims.
"My mother didn't just work to protect specific historical records," Rowan said quietly. "She created a methodology for authenticating and presenting historical evidence that could serve as a model for similar cases. A framework that could help other communities reclaim what was rightfully theirs."
"Which is why we need to work together," King added. "Share resources, coordinate legal strategies. Make sure what happened here becomes a blueprint for addressing historical injustices elsewhere."
The room fell silent as leaders considered implications. Rowan felt Reed squeeze her shoulder gently, grounding her as she waited for their response.
