Iztho grabbed Jessica’s hand, his palm moist with sweat. “Come, Lady. Stay close to me. If I’m right, that was the last of the council’s recharged pearls. The council doesn’t even have enough light to keep their meetings going. That’s how well they control their people.” Men in white uniforms moved in the grey beam of light that streamed in from the door. Crossbows glittered. Soldiers shouted orders, pushing fleeing members of the audience back into the stands. Then, amidst the chaos, a small light flickered on halfway down the stairs. A mind light. Not Daya’s, but Ikay’s. Within a few moments, another light followed. People stopped their mad stumble for the doors and stared at the centre of the hall, where the lights converged above the mediator’s table, lighting her face with a ghostly glow. Most of the council members stood next to their seats. A gust of warmth flooded Jessica and a pinprick bright as sunlight rose into the air. Daya. Come, help us. We need to have this meeting.
