Lirien's eyes glinted with amusement. "Oh, I think we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement. But first...let's take a little walk, shall we?"

And I was willing to do whatever it took to bring down the Council.

As we approached the entrance, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. This was it. This was the moment that would decide the course of our lives.

"You're on edge, Elian," Kael said, his voice low and even. "What's bothering you?"