They returned to their quarters but No one slept.
Owen stood at the window, replaying the encounter. Malachar's smile. The casual confidence. He had known they were watching and hadn't cared. That level of certainty meant something, either he was protected, or he had contingencies, or he simply didn't believe they could stop him.
"The councilor," Yuki said from behind him. "The woman. We need to identify her."
"Already working on it." Odessa had her communication device out, scrolling through information. "Elven council records aren't public, but I have contacts. Give me an hour."
An hour passed.
Odessa looked up. "Lyraen. Councilor Lyraen. Serves on the Diplomatic Relations committee. Has for sixty years. Known for moderation, cooperation, building bridges with other races." She paused. "She's also the primary voice opposing High Lady Sylnara's isolationist faction."
"The isolationists want to seal the borders," Leah said. "Keep everyone out."
