The chamber still rang in Elaria’s ears long after the staff struck to adjourn.

Her heart was not the only thing pounding relentlessly in her chest; it was also the memory of every voice that had been raised, every snarl of incredulity, and every crack in the council's poise. It had felt more like a stay of execution than mercy when Elder Maelen's voice eventually broke through the chaos and called a recess before the chamber completely broke apart.

The guards opened the side hall for her ...