Chapter 146: The Echo of His Command
(POV: Aisha)
The air was too still. Not peaceful—just... wrong.
I sat stiffly on the edge of the fur-draped couch in the Elders' private chamber, my hands trembling in my lap though I kept them clenched to hide it. Kael paced behind me, every step echoing in the chamber like a warning bell. Cyrus stood near the sealed door, arms crossed, his brow furrowed deep. Rowan had refused to come in. He said he didn't trust the Elders' walls not to listen.
I didn't blame him.
This was the second secret meeting we were having in less than twenty-four hours, and nothing about it felt safe. The Elders had summoned me alone—again—but Kael had refused to let me go without him. I didn't argue. I wanted him close.
"You are late."
