Chapter 14 The Betrayal Within

• As Esker assembled his main supporters in the council room, the sun had hardly risen above the forest, creating deep shadows between the trees. Their confidence had been increased by their most recent win over Seraph, but Esker was aware that the road ahead was dangerous.
• Esker started off, "We've struck a blow against our enemies," the weight of their recent victory evident in his voice. "We cannot, however, afford to become comfortable. While the elders have promised to back our goal, we must be watchful."
• Olivia gave a concentrated, exacting nod. "We have to monitor the rogues, Vesper foremost. He has joined the coalition, but at best his allegiance is shaky."