Chapter 9
As soon as Yashiv got Wen inside Cassian’s study, the elders and Rafiq filed in, too. It was crowded with all eight of them confined into the room. Cian was given the only chair, and the others stood in a semicircle around Cassian’s table.
Yashiv kept Wen in front of him, his hands resting atop her shoulders. Her body trembled slightly, but she seemed much more relaxed than earlier. He gave her a reassuring squeeze. Hopefully she understood that he’d take care of her.
Kassim spoke first. “Master, you must reconsider your decision! We cannot turn down such an offer and risk potential war with the Orvokki Clan! And for what? A child who wants to stab you in the back?”
“I do not,” Wen protested, but weakly.
Berit pushed on as if she hadn’t heard the child. “I agree, Master. You
