Cassandra was missing. “Rowan.” Damaris greeted me. “I trust you used your time wisely.” For a second time in their presence I was grateful my cheeks were incapable of betraying me by revealing my embarrassment. “I did,” I said, biting my bottom lip to suppress a smile and forcing my eyes to remain locked with Damaris’s. “Rowan Jade Harper,” his loud voice proclaimed, filling my ears with his authority and making me jump. “Step forward and accept your position.” I took a small step forward and wondered if I was supposed to say something then or wait to be asked. “We, the Reapers’ Council, stand before you, Rowan Jade Harper, and ask… do you accept your inherited duty as a Council member?” Evelyn asked, her face remaining eerily expressionless. “And if I don’t?” The words flew from my mouth before I had a chance to stop them. Evelyn’s blue eyes blazed at me as though I’d slapped her.
