“Elijah’s been planning this for weeks.”
Zane’s voice cut through the low murmur of the council room, but it was the way his eyes fixed on me that made my pulse quicken. Everyone else around the table was locked in their own discussions, whispering plans and doubts, but Zane... Zane was looking for something. A confirmation, an ally, or maybe just an answer to a question none of us were ready to ask.
My hands clenched into fists beneath the table, hidden from view, as I forced my voice to remain steady. “What are you trying to say?”
Zane’s gaze flickered, a flash of something—fear, maybe—but he didn’t back down. “You know exactly what I’m saying. He’s using you, Annabel. He’s been using you since the moment he came back.”
I looked away, my heart pounding harder. I didn’t need to hear t
