Aaron walked through the palace corridors with his jaw clenched so tight his teeth ached because the last thing he needed right now was dealing with Gerald's schemes.
His mind was still consumed with thoughts of Raven refusing to see him while the memory of her body falling in that closet haunted every step he took toward the council chamber.
The guards opened the heavy doors for him, and he entered to find Gerald already seated at the head of the table with that smug expression he always wore when he thought he had the upper hand.
Several other council members sat around the table looking uncomfortable like they knew this meeting was going to be a disaster.
"Finally," Gerald said, gesturing impatiently at an empty chair. "We've been waiting for you."
"I came as soon as I was summon
