Coven council meetings were held in a large domed room that sat at the edge of their town clearing. The elevated seats of the Elders lined the room in a circle, while their guests sat or stood in the center, making it easy to see their faces.

When Sage, Caspian, and Helena entered the room, Sage’s nerves spiked. Usually, only the Elders were present for these meetings. It was a chance for them to discuss their decisions and the rest of the coven trusted them to make the right ...