While the three waited in the tense silence of the room a new sound came from the heavy outer doors.
Three short distinct taps. The sound was not loud but in the oppressive quiet of the chamber it felt like a hammer blow. Lily flinched almost imperceptibly.
She knew who it was. The thought made the shame burning in her gut feel even hotter.
The middle-aged Clan Leader spoke without looking up from his desk. His voice was flat a stark contrast to the anger he had shown just moments ago. "You may enter."
The doors opened and a boy stepped inside.
He was about fifteen years old but his short stature made him appear closer to twelve. He had black hair brown eyes and the round youthful face of a child.
He looked harmless. A bright smile was on his face as he looked at the two men and the kneeling figure of Lily. The oppressive atmosphere in the room did not seem to affect him at all. He walked in with a light bounce in his step.
