Alsia cleared her throat. She was stern but fair with her judgments. She leveled her eyes on Kerrigan, and then a smirk formed on her face. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were campaigning for a seat at the table.”

“Hear, hear,” Bastian said with a smile.

Kerrigan blinked at what Alsia had said. “I…”

“The election is this summer,” Alsia continued over whatever objection Kerrigan was going to voice. “And we’re down one member. I, for one, would be interested in what might happen if you threw your hat in.”

Helly grinned ear to ear. “As would I.”

“She’s a first year,” Boze groaned.

“Oh hush,” Anahi snapped at him. “Ambition is ambition. Talent is talent. And this girl, no matter her age, has them both.”

The rest of the council shifted uneasily at the suggestion. Zoh looked disturbed that it had been voiced in his chamber. He’d been making demands, and now, she was. Something he was certainly not used to.

Zoh banged his gavel. “The election is another matter. I will consider the second request. Hellina has been given your official robes. Congratulations. Council dismissed.”

Kerrigan sagged in relief as Helly rushed over to her with black robes in her arms. She pulled her into a hug. “I knew you would do it.”

“I’m Bryonican once more.”

“More than that. You’re a member,” Helly said, helping her into the robes. “And who knows… maybe by the end of the summer, you’ll be on the council as well.”

It was inconceivable. And yet, as terrifying as it was, she wanted that council position. She was going to do everything she could to get it.

Kerrigan headed out of the council room in a daze, the weight of her new black Society robes around her shoulders.

“Mistress,” Bayton said, dipping a curtsy.

Kerrigan startled. “Just Kerrigan, Bay, please.”

“Yes, I will never get used to that.”

She fell into step at Kerrigan’s side, which was a vast improvement from her walking two steps before or behind her. “Why are you here?”

Bayton bobbed her head. “Miss, while you were away, we were requested to pack up your belongings, and you have been relocated.”

“What for?”

“Was this not acceptable? It was a missive from the Society, and the rooms are far superior.”

Kerrigan shook her head in confusion and followed Bayton away from the council room and up, up, up, deeper into the mountain. Kerrigan’s hands shook as she realized where they were going—to the member suites. Hers were far from Helly’s elaborate quarters, but still, they’d known she would accept.

“Here we are, miss.” Bayton opened the door, and Kerrigan stepped inside her own private Society chambers.