#Chapter 120: Search Party

Ava A short while later, Chris, Leonard, and I stood dripping wet in the council room, forming a small puddle on the hardwood floor as we faced the stern gazes of the Elders. Elise, her silver hair pulled back into a severe bun, pursed her lips in disapproval and tugged her robe tighter around herself. “Would someone care to explain just what is going on here?” she barked. “It’s nearly one o’clock in the morning and you three are soaking wet!” I opened my mouth to respond, but Chris beat me to it. “We were… swimming in the cave,” he explained. A disapproving murmur rippled through the assembled Elders, and I fought the urge to bury my face in my hands. But before anyone else could speak, Leonard stepped forward, the necklace still dangling from his fist. “We found this at the bottom of the swimming hole,” he said, his voice grave. “You know who this belongs to.” A hush fell over the room as the Elders leaned in, their eyes widening in recognition. Even De