Amy couldn’t help but feel a bit of exasperation as Elise led her into the Londinium Exchange offices, Leah and Amélie a few steps behind.
And here we are again, she thought as they entered the meeting room where Leah had first been presented to the council, Ain sitting in her spot at the back of the ring of seats, Elise at Martin’s side, and most of the same faces around them.
There were a few differences, she realized. Some of the elders in attendance had changed, and where they’d projected a certain air of authority and near-boredom in the past, now their eyes tracked her through the room as she found a seat, waiting to be called.
They weren’t bored or disdainful at all now.
They’re afraid, she realized, and tried not to let it make her nervous, too.
“We will dispense with the usua
