*Calix*

The room buzzed with activity once I left the kitchen. One of the cooks had come to me, concerned about the quality of one of the meats. After assuring her the meat was fine, I went back into the Great Hall, expecting to see Lynn waiting for me where I had left her.

I frowned when she wasn’t there, then swiveled my head around the room. I spotted Dex by one of the tables and waved him over. He walked briskly, his head down to avoid the constant glare of the ...