Avery fainted purely because of the Matriarch’s venom. It’s a tragedy, truly. If it were up to me, I’d have the High Elders examine that woman’s spirit for rot,” Gregory remarked, his voice sharp with a wit that didn’t quite hide his concern.

The heavy oak door of the infirmary creaked open, and Dr. Mercer stepped inside, his brow furrowed as he scanned his chart. “She has regained consciousness?” He looked at Avery, then at the others. “Who here is her bonded kin? There is a development we must discuss.”

A thick, heavy silence settled over the room. Harper Bennett’s shoulders tensed. “Is it the Silver Decay? Has the sickness...