Ava
The council chamber was thick with tension, and the hot air seeping in through the open window did nothing to dissipate it as we filed in and took our seats. I caught Elise’s narrowed eyes boring holes into my head, causing me to shift uncomfortably in my chair.
Chris, noticing this, reached over to give my hand a reassuring squeeze beneath the table.
“Shall we proceed with the first order of business?” Elder Bradley’s reedy voice broke the silence. “We must nominate a new Elder to join our council.”
There were murmurs of assent around the long table. I bobbed my head along with them, keeping my gaze averted—if only to avoid Elise’s seething hatred from across the table. Chris cleared his throat and rose to his feet.
“I have been considering this, and I believe we
