"Apprentice Collins, did you use your magic at all in the presence of any of the men?" Victor Langford asks. His face is serious, his eyes sharp, his voice quiet and tight.
The blood drains instantly from Maeve's face.
She jumps from her seat, drops to her knees, and bows her head to the floor.
"I am very sorry! I had no choice! Even though my fire was not strong enough to kill any of the haelions, it could still cause injuries. The situation was bad. There were many haelions. And honestly, I did not think about our secrecy policy. I was only thinking about how to survive!"
She bows even deeper, her forehead almost touching the floor.
"Again, I am very sorry! I beg forgiveness from this Council!"
Jonathan is visibly stunned by Maeve's reaction. He can do nothing but blink.
The other Custodians share similar expressions.
