My blood goes cold.
“You can only do that with an official order,” I say quietly.
“Exactly.” Nathaniel turns the tablet toward me, and I see a document on the screen — transfer authorization, stamped and signed. “One that was signed off by a council member.”
My jaw grinds so hard I’m surprised my teeth don’t crack.
“James.”
“Yes.” Nathaniel’s voice is grim. “Apparently Elder James and Harrison go way back. They’re both traditionalists with core ideals that despise everything you stand for with Ember. The court case likely favored Gale because of James’s friendship with Harrison — they’ve been pulling strings behind the scenes this entire time.”
The implications settle over me like a shroud.
“James knew I would chase,” I say slowly, the pieces clicking into place. “He knew I would go
