Chapter 579

• "Andrei and Alexei are Ancients too. They could perform that function if the remainder of the Council granted them leave in that capacity." Stephan's counterpoint was accurate, but Demetri's expression remained unchanged.
• "I'm staying." His tone brooked no argument and caused a murmur of sound from most of the other council members.
• "Demetri, no one will harm your wife here." Stephan tried once more to be the voice of reason, but to no avail.