C14 14 - Exiled
Araceli stood in chains at the center of the council chamber as a silence heavier than stone settled over the room. Surrounded by people yet utterly isolated, she had never felt more alone. Her last hope had just died.
Pierce had spoken, and with those few words, everything became painfully clear. Whether he believed her or not no longer mattered. When it mattered most, he had chosen the council
