Derek’s POV
“He’s here.”
Zeal’s voice floated into my ears from behind my shoulders just as I heard the heavy, synchronized stomps of boots across the marble floor and the faint clinking of what I would consider to be metal armor.
I rose to my feet immediately, hearing the scraping of chairs as the elders beside me followed suit. Fiona, who was seated at my left, stood as well, her breathing coming out fast.
I could feel how tense she was, but I had already told her everything that she needed to know to calm her down, so right now, I could only hope she doesn’t let her fear betray her.
“Report,” I murmured to Zeal under my breath as I heard more boots scatter orderly across the floor in several directions.
“Exactly as the spies had warned,” Zeal replied quickly. “Miles came with ap
