Mom stepped forward, placing a steadying hand on his arm. “It's the Elders, Malcolm. They've assigned Rebecca as Angie’s assistant. Volunteered, they call it… like it's some gift.”

Malcolm's expression darkened, a low growl vibrating in his chest as he took the letter from Allison, scanning it with a speed that betrayed his rising anger. 

“This is insane. That’s too much for the Elders anyway,” He crumpled the edge of the paper in his fist, his body tensing like a coiled spring. “No. This isn't happening. Not on my watch. Even though they were the Elders, Rebecca couldn’t assign herself without my permission.”

I reached for his hand, intertwining our...