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Constantin finds Ellery the second we’re inside. Anna gives me a look I’ve been getting from her since I was fourteen.

“She cannot be here. This is council business.” Constantin wastes no time objecting to Ellery’s presence.

“Pipe down,” Roslyn jumps in before I can. “Miss Ashford’s testimony is crucial to understanding last night’s events. It’s relevant to uncovering how this thing managed to breach your security and threaten the residents of this town, as well as Nick’s petition for disclosure.”

“She’s not a resident. She’s not eligible,” Dominic interjects, siding with his uncle.

Constantin turns his head, and Dominic finds his phone interesting again.

I guide Ellery to a seat next to Roslyn and take the one on her other side.

She leans in close to my ear. “Is that him?” She’s staring at Constantin like he’s a riddle she’s on the brink of solving.

I nod.

“I remember. I remember those eyes. We spoke, but I…don’t know about what.”

I could say it out loud. He compelled her, without approval. And Constantin would ask what proof I have. The word of an outsider who can’t recall what was said, in a room where she’s already on trial and I’m the one accused of misconduct. They’d come for us both, and we’d get nowhere. So I keep my mouth shut. For now.

Whatever Constantin did, it didn’t take cleanly. Sigrid took a whole week off a lost hiker once, and he shook her hand and thanked her for the directions. Maybe Ellery will remember more with time, and I’ll be able to do something about it.

“I object to her presence.” Constantin raises his voice. “I want her gone.”

“She stays,” I say, with a finality that leaves no room for more argument.

“You,” he seethes, “are as stupid as your father. Bringing in this outsider like she belongs here, sharing our guarded knowledge with her. You put everyone at risk.”

“You don’t rule this council!” I’m about ready to lunge across this table and snap Constantin’s neck.

Ellery covers my balled-up fist with her palm, and I unclench my fingers and hold hers. I’m about to say fuck the council, leave this all behind, and let the old vampire have his empire. Break the Pact, break my promise to my clan, and to the people of Ravenslight. Take Ellery as far as I can to the edge of the boundary, before the scar claimed me, and let them all burn in the daylight.

She tugs our entwined hands off the table and into her lap, and I realize she protects me as much as I try to protect her. She’s the reason this chamber isn’t a bloodbath, and she has no idea. The old vampire is testing me. He’s been doing it since the day I became Guardian.

“The girl has information to aid our investigation. Let’s get on with it,” Anna says, over Constantin’s growling.

“Go ahead, Ellery,” Hazel says with a reassuring smile.

Ellery recounts how the intruder came for her in the alley behind the cafe. “I wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for Nick. He only told me what this town is because he had no choice. The vampire who tried to hurt me was the one that revealed the truth.”

She’s trying to save my ass, but I’m not sure the council will agree. Roslyn scribbles down some notes, and Constantin is practically bored by the whole story.

“Did you find out anything about him?” I ask Anna.

Dominic perks up and looks from me to Anna.

“He had no ID, but he was in a UAF hoodie. And I have my deputy investigating that connection. The only thing I’m certain of is that he was made, not bloodline,” she replies.

Dominic relaxes back into his seat.

“Clearly some vagrant that got mixed up with a vampire from another clan.” Constantin’s more interested in examining his long nails.

“Is this the end of it?” Lloyd asks. “Daylight is in short supply as we get closer to the solstice. Do we need to tell people to stay in?”

“I’ve found no sign of any others in the area,” Anna says.

I’m not sure if I trust her assessment. It took them long enough to take this threat seriously.

“But we’ll maintain more frequent patrols.”