The council room felt warmer than the hall outside. People looked at me, but they gave me space. They gazed at me in the same way that unbelievers gaze at a story. Selene remained near me, steadily placing her hand on my arm.

"We must relocate," I informed her. I spoke quietly. "Look for a peaceful area."

After giving me a nod, she guided me down a side hallway. There were fewer echoes and tiny candles. We discovered a little table and two chairs in a small sitting area. It was deserted. I ...