Aerion was waiting for us alongside R'lissea, sitting across from Commander Whitemarsh and an accompaniment of officers I didn't recognize. I slowed as I entered the room, and all eyes gathered on me. I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. My eyes darted from R'lissea to Aerion, then back again. R'lissea noticed my twitching tail and gave me a small, reassuring smile, patting the seat next to hers.
I smoothed my dress under me as I sat, settling down with my legs crossed and hands clasped in my lap, not quite meeting anyone's gaze.
"Thank you, Oracle," Aerion said in a firm, professional voice devoid of his usual warmth or confident lilt. "The Life Hero insisted we wait before proceeding further."
"What are they doing here?" I whispered to R'lissea.
