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“Oh.”

“But I thought I would at least stand here, right outside the door.”

“Oh.”

“If you need anything.”

I nod.

He turns to face me, eyes hard. “Remember, you’re going to be Starwatcher of the council. That seat has been empty for decades and is an honored place among the Watch. Don’t let anyone make you feel small”—he pauses—“or make you doubt yourself.”

“Thanks, Castor.” My shoulders sink an inch. It’s one thing to have a unique magical ability; it’s another thing to lead with it. That’s what they are expecting me to do.

He is on our side, I recite again for good measure. He was protecting us.

The double doors open, and I cross the threshold.

Centered in the room is a long oval table carved of stone. Sitting along its edge are six of the seven Elders, including Elder Superior Markus. Tapestries line the interior walls while the other is mainly composed of floor to ceiling windows. Cutting through the center of the views is a large field stone fireplace where a Sun’cher flame dances invitingly above the logs, casting warmth into the room, but not overbearing like a true fire would be.

Before the doors can fully shut behind me, I catch a glimpse of Castor, standing shoulder width apart, so firm in his position. I cannot imagine the countless times he’s done just this. Stood outside the Elders’ chambers while waiting for his father.

His chin tilts down slightly before the doors shut entirely.

I turn back to the room.

Six sets of eyes stare back.

“I’ll assume this is my seat?” I gesture to the only open chair in the room.

“Indeed,” Elder Hightail affirms with a noted disinterest.

I pull out the only empty carved wooden chair. It wobbles.

Of course.

Whether intended to throw me off my focus or not, I ignore the poor state of the chair and take a seat at the table, as is technically my right as the only Starwatcher. After I graduate, that will be my place, after all.

“Thank you for joining us, Cadet Nox,” Markus says, sounding anything but thankful.

“We should call her by her title, Elder Nox,” a large man says. Elder Davenpath.

My eyebrows raise slightly before I can reclaim my expressions.

Elder Hightail scoffs, but Elder Markus just leans forward. “You are correct, Elder Davenpath. We shall address our newest addition as Elder Nox.”

The room tilts. I grab the underside of the table for stability while I keep my face neutral, plastering on a bored confidence as if hearing my new title didn’t just split me into yet another identity. Another mask to learn, master, and wield.

“Thank you for the invitation,” I say, controlled and calm. My fingers bite into the harsh stone table where no one can see.

Elder Superior Markus clears his throat. “I called forth this Elder meeting to discuss the attack last night.”

Elder Burroughs nods vigorously, bald head shining in the Sun’cher orb light.

“After rigorous investigation of the students present, we have come to the conclusion that our enemies have grown outside the Jord to Terraguard as well. Both Underworld Courts were spotted as the scene of the attack.”

“But—!”

“Quiet, Cad—Elder Nox,” Markus sneers. “There is much to discuss. Plans to align on. Strategies to implement. I will need everyone in this room”—his dark eyes glint across the room—“to remain focused.”