Most of the twelve masters had gathered in the room. Only two seats were empty.
“Good evening, Mistress Raven,” Tymon said, with a nod.
Elex bowed while I curtsied. “Good evening, masters.”
Lunella gestured to the identical men. “I would like you to meet Masters Rilen and Roran. They are from the Temple of the Spine at the Northern Sea. They came to say good-bye to Danai.”
My heart hurt for a moment, but I was too tired to cry again.
Master Dorian stared at me.
I had never been able to read him, and now it was worse. Not only was his face stony, but there was no sense ofhim.The magic cut off around him, making him a blank.
Tymon moved to where Elex and I were waiting.
“Miss Raven, by the nearly unanimous vote of this council, we are, as of tonight, raising you to the seat of a master.”
My legs gave out and wouldn’t hold me. Elex caught me before I hit the floor.
“Master?” Elex asked, steadying me.
“We have a vacant seat,” Tymon said. “We need all the seats filled, especially now. Kimber is our most logical candidate.”
“I’m weak,” I mumbled.
I wasn’t sure if I was talking about my legs or my magic.
“We need you.”
I forced my feet to hold me again. “I’ve never been a master magic wielder, and you all know it. I’m a teacher. Look what happened to me in the garden the other day. I’m not suited to that chair. Not any more than a horse or chicken might be.”
Master Dorian chuckled.
Jackass.
Lunella shot Dorian a look I was sure I wasn’t supposed to see, then turned to me. “Kimber. You are the most logical choice. The mountain speaks to you, and that alone makes you the best candidate. I know you believe you’re too young, but Master Vitus was elected to the council at just fifty years old.”
I shook my head. “Mister Vitus was born using magic.”
Master Vitus chuckled this time. “She’s right.”
“Shut up, Vitus.” Lunella narrowed her eyes.
His hand covered a smirk on his face, and he shifted away from Elex and me.
“Masters, if you don’t need me, I’ll leave now.” Elex bowed his head respectfully and started to back up.
“Lord Everettson, you are to join Mistress Raven in her apartments.” Master Dorian stood as he made the announcement.
We both halted, sharing a shocked glance, and at least two of the other masters in the room didn’t like what he had said. There was disgruntled mumbling.
“That’s not the way this is done, Master Dorian,” Master Bebbinel stated.
Master Dorian turned, and the look he tossed at the man could have withered stone. “I don’t give a shit about your rules and regulations. She should have been made to move into these rooms as soon as we suspected she was the Breaker. But no, you asses had to go and try to deny this. Danai would not be dead—”
“Do not try to pass the blame to us,” Master Argo started.
“I’m not passing blame, you burning bag of shit. I’m telling you, you’d all do well to stop ignoring me. I am the oldest living among you, and you all get stuck in propriety and tradition that is bullshit.”
