"He was clever, cruel, and dangerously charming."
The morning assembly had drawn a larger crowd than usual. Students packed the main courtyard, their conversations creating a constant hum that bounced off the stone walls. The council elders occupied the raised platform at the far end, seated in their carved chairs like judges presiding over a trial. Lady Katheris stood among them, her presence turning the platform into something that felt more throne than simple seating.
I'd felt the weight of attention even before entering the courtyard. Now, standing in the crowd with Caleb at my side and Celeste somewhere behind us, that weight had become suffocating.
Gideon moved through the assembled students like he owned the space. Maybe he did, in a way. His expensive clothes were immaculate as
