Chapter 621: Work Around

Well, that was productive.

I stood with Gram and Varity in one corner of the Yard, arms crossed, back against a tree as the pair glared at each other. I could tell from the way their faces twitched they were talking among themselves but didn't have the energy to break into the conversation.

When Gram finally spoke out loud, I jumped.

"No," she snarled, clearly continuing where her mental voice left off, "I wasn't aware at the time the Council power had that much influence. Do you think I would have just let Miriam fall into this bottomless pit without support if I'd known?" She blew a gust of air from between her pursed lips. "It wasn't until Miriam attacked Syd I realized just how far this had gone."

Varity's shoulders slumped, hands clenched into a knot in front of her chest. "I've witnessed such influence," she said. "But never on such a level." Her eyes settled on me. "Nor have I seen a Council Leader fight so hard against her own magic."

To protect me. I knew that already. Gr