Once in the bedroom I now shared with Gregory, I closed the door and retrieved the phone from the bedside table. I dialed Isach, and he answered on the first ring.

"Things are moving fast," I said before he could ask me a million questions. "We've convinced the king that we're willing to accept his offer. He's calling an immediate, emergency council meeting to let the royal covens vote on the matter." I spoke on a rush of breath, relaying every piece of information I had to ...