Chapter 29

Mara's POV

News of the council's appointment traveled through the room before I spoke. Someone began to applaud; others joined, though I had to raise a hand to finish the practical details. I let myself enjoy it afterward. I knew how hard I had worked for this territory. I had earned the right to feel the warmth of being seen, even if I couldn't stay in it for long.

Near the side aisle, Ronan leaned against a pillar to spare his wound. His expression had softened in a way he would deny later. Gideon stood farther back with a guard on either side. He gave a single, uncertain clap and stopped when he saw me looking. Neither of us pretended it settled anything.

Lena cried out from the outer passage.

The pulse traveled through the hall a heartbeat later. A young clerk's pen fell from his hand. Near the rear bench, a healer gripped