R A I D E N
One of the Elders followed my gaze, his brows knitting together almost imperceptibly before he looked back at me, expression carefully neutral. Another leaned back slightly, fingers tapping once against the table, curiosity already sparking.
I straightened slowly, masking my reaction as I turned my attention back to the table.
“She will join us shortly,” I said evenly, before anyone could ask.
The words had barely settled when the heavy doors at the far end of the hall swung open.
The sound cut cleanly through the low murmur of the chamber.
A guard stepped inside, armour gleaming under the firelight. He moved with rigid precision, coming to a halt just inside the threshold. He bowed deeply, fist to chest.
“Announcing,” he said loudly, voice carrying without strain, “the
