Betty's POV

The last day came with a weight that pressed down on all of us like a physical thing.

I'd barely slept, my mind racing through every possible outcome every way. This could go wrong. 

When the warning bell rang—the steady toll that meant our expected visitor had arrived, I felt my heart leap into my throat.

Claire and I made our way to the main hall where the meeting would take place. 

Damien was already there. Hiss face was an unreadable mask, though I could see the ...