Chapter 126

Chapter 126 SERAPHINA Two weeks after the Council's verdict, I discovered exactly how hard quarterly evaluations could be when the oversight committee arrived unannounced at the interdimensional gate complex. "Guardians," announced Lady Vex, a sharp-featured woman who served as the committee's chairwoman, "we're here to conduct our first assessment. You'll find we prefer... thorough evaluations." I exchanged glances with Kaelos and Ruvan as we stood in the main control chamber, surrounded by the humming crystalline arrays that regulated the gate's stability. Through our bond, I felt their shared apprehension mixing with my own. The committee consisted of five members from our realm and three representatives from the star realm. Lady Vex represented the noble houses, Master Theorist Gareth brought his scholarly skepticism, Commander Thane spoke for the military, Guild Master Corwin watched for economic interests, and surprisingly, Duke Harwick had volunteered to serve despite his initia