Cormac takes a deep breath, the lines around his eyes tightening. "You do realize this isn’t going to go over well. Some on the council already believe we gave too much during negotiations. If they think this decision came from desperation… or worse, sentiment—"

"It wasn’t desperation," I interrupt, my voice firm and unyielding. I can’t believe of all people, Cormac would think I made this choice without reason. "It was a calculated move. Refusing would’ve destroyed ...