Mwanwhile….
The council chamber was draped in shadows, lit only by the flickering orange glow of the torches along the walls.
The elders sat in a semi-circle, their faces creased with age and suspicion. They murmured amongst themselves as Mia stepped into the room, her posture regal and commanding. The long, dark dress she wore swept the floor as she moved, making her look like a queen walking into her court.
"Lady Mia," Elder Connell greeted her, his voice gravelly. "What brings you here at this hour? We assumed this meeting was about more urgent matters."
"Oh, it is, Elder Connell," Mia said smoothly, her lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'm here because we can no longer turn a blind eye to the chaos my stepson, Dave, has brought upon us."