SIXTEEN
Despite my repeated efforts to get everyone into their seats, the room off the great hall was full of energetic chatter. At this rate, we'd never get through our agenda, and I still needed to be at the temple's build site in an hour. Sensing my mounting frustration and impatience, Lysander rapped his knuckles on the table, his voice booming to be heard over the fractured conversations echoing off the walls. "Alright, everyone. Find your seats so we can get started."
I gave him an appreciative smile, waiting with what little patience I had left. Chairs scraped against the planked floor, and finally, my counsellors—Mama, Papa, Violet, Zinnia, Cleo, Rebeca—and a handful of others took their seats and turned their attention toward me. Settling into my chair, I officially opened the m
