Gray’s POV

The restaurant was full. Plates, cups, and voices filled the room. I kept Aurora’s glowing hand behind my back until the light under our fingers faded. When it was gone, I loosened my grip and let her step closer to the main table.

Chairs scraped. Members made space. Lenora and Ashley waved again. A few servers moved trays to a side station near the wall.

At the far end, the double doors to the conference wing stood open. Beyond them, the long council room waited with its round ...