Chapter 79

Scarlett's POV My shoulder still ached where the blade had pierced me, though it had been cleaned and bandaged by Lucien while we were in the forest, then rebandaged again by the healers of the Nightshade. They said it would heal on its own and would probably take weeks or even months. I was pulling on my cloak when Kathleen knocked softly on my door. Her face was pale as she entered, hands clutching a sealed envelope stamped with the Higher Council's crest. "Your face is pale. What is it now?" I asked, leaning on the chair. "Big news. See for yourself," she said as she handed me the envelope. I stared at it for too long before taking it. I thought this would be another council gathering, especially since I had received so many before, and I couldn't remember how many I had attended, just so Faye wouldn't use it to spread rumors about me not showing up. The wax glinted red. I couldn't help but gulp, especially as the crest was different this time; it held more authority. My fingers fel