The members of the Night Council were filing out of the room, their figures disappearing one by one. Hadrian rose to his feet, his movements deliberate as his sharp gaze followed their departure. His fists were clenched, but the faint curve of his lips betrayed his satisfaction. I stayed in my seat, rooted in the massive, uncomfortable chair, my heart pounding like a war drum. Relief coursed through me, though the weight of what had just transpired left my nerves frayed.

My hands ...