They shrug. “If the world is simple, certain people will never be inconvenienced, never need to adapt. I disrupt those people, and you do too. You’ve been doing it since you walked in the door. I like disruptors and rhythm breakers. We should start a club.”

I spear a slice of steak. “Are there T-shirts for this club?”

They laugh. Beside me, Whitty leans forward, and I realize he’s still wearing that same comfortable, old-looking camo jacket. In a sea of button-downs and polos, he’s disrupting a few rhythms himself. “I think we should get matchin’ hats, y’all.”

Greer looks at my hair and then gestures to theirs. Tonight it’s thick double fishtail braids that extend from their crown to the bottom of each shoulder blade. “And cover up these gorgeous coifs? Get outta here with that trash idea, Whitlock.”

“You see how they treat me, Bree?” He tsks. “Rude.”

Just as people start drifting to the dessert table, Lord Davis enters the room. Nick stands at his father’s side. All eyes turn to them.

“Hello, everyone. Thank you for your well wishes. Our healer, Scion Sitterson, believes I will be fully recovered before the weekend.” All around me, members brush the pads of their fingers in circles for the shhshhshh of approval. “Unfortunately, it is premature for celebration. As I’m sure you all know by now, last night our fourth-ranked Scion, Felicity Caldwell, was Called to service by her knight, Sir Lamorak. And it is true that the fifth-ranked Scion of Kay was Called last week at our sister chapter in the North.”

“Last week?” Fitz shouts. “Why didn’t someone tell us?” Quiet nods of agreement.

“I understand your frustration,” Davis says. “The Regents wished to keep this Awakening quiet, since it has been more than fifty years since a fifth-ranked Scion was Called. The truth is, there have been increased Shadowborn attacks at all chapter campuses. More Gates opening and more partial-corp crossings. Last night’s fully corporeal uchel made it plain that the Shadowborn are gaining strength and may be coordinated. There is even talk of sightings of the Line of Morgaine.”

There are a few whispers around the room. Beside me, Greer clenches their fist. Meanwhile, I’m blinking in confusion. What the hell is the Line of Morgaine?

“We must prepare for the callings of Tristan, Lancelot, and Arthur.” He looks up at Nick, pride plain on his face. “ ‘Yet some men say in many parts of England that King Arthur is not dead, but had by the will of our Lord Jesu into another place…’ ” He gestures for Nick to finish the quote.

Nick’s brow knits at the performance, but he complies. “ ‘And men say that he shall come again.’ ”