The Silver Ridge’s High-Hall was deathly still as the translation of the silent movements hung in the air. Before Hudson could growl out the interpretation of Avery’s signs, Patriarch Jerome Hayes interrupted with a sharp, wheezing gasp.

"Are you claiming the Moon-Cuff was flawless after the mend? That a visual blood-ledger exists? I must see it immediately!"

The guests shifted, their pelts bristling in shock. Jerome, an Elder of the Great Council, was one of the few who still understood the ancient, silent hand-speech of the Sages.

Madison Clarke and Stella Hayes stood frozen, the blood draining from their faces. Avery nodded solemnly and produced a memory-crystal she had hidden...