The elders fell silent one by one as the radiance continued along the table.
The Light moved through the chamber without accusation or threat, searching for whatever no mortal hand could hide. When the glow touched the first elder, the anger drained from his face, leaving his jaw clenched and his eyes lowered toward the table. A moment ago, he had been furious at Cassandra. Now, beneath the Light Tree's witness, he looked painfully aware of every intention inside his own heart.
Another elder swallowed. The formal one clasped his hands together, while the harsh elder slowly removed his palms from the table as if the ancient wood had become too sacred to strike.
Cassandra watched them all without gloating. Gloating would have cheapened the victory, so she merely sat with her calm smile and let the Light do what her words had prepared.
At last, the first elder bowed his head.
