I finally rejoined the others. They were all still fussing over the maps. The moment I stepped through the doorway, I felt the familiar cloak of authority settle over my shoulders, but Cindy was looking at me strangely. His eyes, usually bright with loyalty and slightly terrified devotion, were narrowed in sharp, analytical suspicion. He knew something was wrong.
I ignored his inquisitive look, and sat down hard in the empty seat next to Tanjin. Kolton was opposite me, leaning slightly over the parchment, his jaw locked in a rigid line that betrayed none of the soul-crushing conversation we'd just finished.
"I told them," Kolton announced, his voice steady, devoid of the deep, resonant warmth that usually characterized his speech.
A dry, rasping sound escaped my throat. I cleared it, f
