#Chapter 65: Tie Breaker

Ava Steam wafted through the council chamber as I carefully poured steaming coffee into the waiting ceramic mugs. One by one, I arranged them on the long oak table alongside a platter of fresh pastries I had picked up from the village bakery that morning. It had been my idea to provide some small refreshments for everyone. The meeting was set to begin well before our usual time, and I knew people—especially Chris and some of the Elders—would appreciate a little sustenance to start their day. The soft creak of the chamber’s heavy door opening made me glance up. To my surprise, it was Olivia who slipped inside first, her brows arched coolly as she surveyed the spread I had laid out. “Morning,” I said, pulling my shoulders back. I turned away, continuing to prepare the tray of sugar and cream for the coffee. “Playing housewife today, are we?” I heard her ask, without so much as a ‘good morning’ in response. I bristled at her jab, but managed to bite back the urge t