Dally POV
Mr. Bennett spoke for the first time, his voice a low baritone, "The decisions have been tabulated." Nobody moved. "The first pair of heirs elected not to disclose the secrets entrusted to them." My stomach sank. "The appropriate consequence will now be served."
In perfect unison, two footmen lifted the silver cloches in front of Ayla and me. I heard her gasp.
Mine came out as a whisper. "...Ay, Dios."
The steak beneath the dome had disappeared beneath hundreds of pale, writhing larvae. They twisted over one another in a living carpet. Every few seconds one crawled over the edge of the mashed potatoes and disappeared back into the pile.
Mr. Bennett folded his hands behind his back. "The two participants who withheld information must finish their entire first course before th
