Even the powerful watch those who rise too quickly.
The council chamber was exactly what you'd expect from people who'd held authority for generations. High ceilings, dark wood paneling, portraits of past leaders staring down with judgmental eyes. The kind of room designed to make you feel small and insignificant.
I refused to feel either.
Darius stood beside me, close enough that our shoulders almost touched. The bond hummed between us, still electric from earlier. Still distracting despite my best efforts to focus.
Caleb and Celeste waited near the door, positioned as witnesses and support. Marcus and Devon had wanted to come, but too many alliance members showing up would have looked like a show of force. We needed this to seem routine.
