#Chapter 45: A House Divided

I shoved open the Council chamber doors. The smell of wet wool and thunder settled heavy in the room. Nathan’s face was red with anger. Papers flew. Voices layered over each other. I noticed Elder Tavish glaring at me from across the table, and it wasn't the first time. He'd always been one of the most vocal elders against bringing me in. I could practically feel his satisfaction at having something to pin on me now, the smug certainty in his eyes that I was the weak link they'd warned Richard about. “Emergency procedures failed!” Tavish shouted. “We lost ground because of that evacuation plan.” I squared my shoulders. “It was secure. It wasn’t supposed to be public.” He slammed his fist. “But it was. They knew. They were waiting for us.” Tavish's voice cut back in, adding detail to the accusation. “You let the fallback route get compromised. Our people walked right into an ambush. They knew the exact plan Amelia signed off on. Don’t pretend that’s not on you.” I felt my bl