KAEL
The corridor leading into the council chamber always felt longer than it was.
Arlo walked beside me, hands in his pockets, shoulders loose like this was just another business meeting and not a summons that could end with our heads metaphorically, or literally, on the chopping block.
“So,” he said quietly, eyes forward, “how do you think this plays out?”
I didn’t slow my stride. “After they hear what Zane did? At worst, a lecture. Maybe a slap on the wrist so that they can feel important”
Arlo huffed. “That generous?”
“They like pretending they still control us,” I said. “They’ll posture. Then they’ll back down.”
He nodded. “You’re right.”
The guards stationed outside the main hall stiffened when they saw us and immediately moved to open the doors. The heavy wood groaned as it
