"I am going to the Higher Council," I announced to Cindy once my patience ran out.
"And how do you plan on doing that?" Cindy snorted in disbelief.
"A spell, look," I showed her the appearance spell I uncovered in Khimar's memories.
"The moment you step into the Higher Council, your spell will drop," she subtly enlightened me on how dumb my idea was, her tone carrying that blend of exasperation and affection she often used when she thought I wasn't thinking things through. Her gaze held mine for a moment, as if silently daring me to argue, a challenge I didn't take. The certainty in her voice made my stomach twist. She was right, of course. The Higher Council had ways of stripping through any illusion, and if that spell fell, I'd be exposed in the worst possible place.
