Ava
I set the tray of tea and cookies down in the center of my kitchen table, which had been pulled away from the wall to make room for everyone. The space was crowded; the Elders sat around the table, Chris stood by the kitchen counter island, and Leonard leaned in the doorway.
“I’m sorry it’s so cramped,” I said as I took a step back and wiped my hands on my skirt. “But I hope everyone is comfortable. Please, help yourselves.”
“Thank you, Luna,” Elder Bradley said, reaching for a cookie. The others, all except for Elise, murmured their thanks as well, each taking a cookie or pouring themselves some tea. With the Packhouse currently out of commission, this was the best we could do.
Elise, however, remained focused on the matter at hand, her posture rigid and her eyes sharp
