WALKING BACK FROM CAT'S QUARTERS, Elena flicked her fingers in and out in irritation. Cat performed perfectly again in the Council meeting. Cold, polite, to the point. Such a vast transformation from the chatty, curious, and questioning young woman who had a tendency to nod off.

Three days had passed since Elena realized Cat was still here, yet she refused to give Elena even the slightest information about whatever the argument she and Alek had had. Elena found out quickly ...