Abel
I saw the exact moment Millicent started to fail.
One second she was sitting straight-backed in her chair, tablet in hand, the picture of professional competence despite the vicious attacks on her character. The next, her complexion went gray, her hand white-knuckled on the table edge, and I was moving before conscious thought could catch up.
The tribunal, Patrick's crimes, the political victory we'd just achieved - none of it mattered. Nothing mattered except the way Millicent swayed in her seat, one hand pressed to her side and I could smell the sharp copper scent of blood.
"The vote can wait," I announced, already halfway across the room. My voice carried enough alpha command that even Elder Blackwood straightened in surprise.
I reached Millicent just as her tablet clattered t
