Chapter 50—Marcus Hits Back: Lyra's Point of View
The council hall seems smaller than it ever has.
Not because of the walls.
Because of the eyes.
They are all over the place: on me, on Raine, and on Marcus Veylan, who is standing in the middle of the room with a calm smile that makes my skin crawl. Torches flicker on the stone walls, making long shadows that twist and stretch like ears that are listening.
Marcus seems at ease here.
Too at ease.
He says in a smooth voice, "Thank you for letting me speak, Luna," and bows his head just enough to show respect. "I only come with concern."
I don't answer him right away.
Raine is standing behind me, quiet and strong. I can feel him behind me like a shield. That alone makes the room tense.
Concern, my foot.
I say calmly, "You crossed my
