Even after Elaria and Draven left, the council chamber continued to reverberate with voices raised.

Only sputtering flames and the pale wash of dawn filtering in through small stone windows illuminated the thankfully dark passageways outside. Their footsteps were heavy, and their stillness was one of weight rather than ease. As wolves and attendants hurried by, some made brief bows, while others gave cautious nods or glares of distrust.

Elaria walked with her red robes whispering around her ...