Claudia went on softly. 'I had seven years with your father. Seven hard, beautiful years. Enough time to love him. Enough time to lose him properly.'
Ravok exhaled. 'Fine,' he said at last. 'Bring the girl.'
Claudia's relief bloomed, cutting through the dread. She stood, smoothing her dress. 'All you have to do is stay calm, Ravok. There will be a lot of people in here.' She stepped closer to the bars. 'Just look at me. Keep your eyes on me. Is there anyone you would not want to see? Someone who would annoy you?'
'No.' Ravok huffed. His massive head turned slightly away from the stairs, claws scraping once against the stone floor in irritation. He knew what came next.
Claudia turned and walked out of the basement, the iron door groaning shut behind her. At the top of the stairs, Charles was waiting, hands clasped behind his back. Delilah stood beside him. The elders flanked them in a loose semicircle.
"It's time," Claudia said.
