{Ryanna’s POV}

They stood around me like pillars. My proud Council. Young, yet old in ways I couldn't describe, due to the kind of life…we have lived.

Each of them stared at me like I was the problem that needed solving.

“I’m not saying give in,” Basten said, arms crossed, “But we’re not made of steel. We need numbers. These neutral packs have them.”

“You mean Ilia and Coren?” I asked. “The ones gave such a brazen ultimatum?”

Ophelia didn’t meet my eyes. “We ...