Accordant

Chapter Eight

"What do you think of our Miss Evans?" Derek asked the Circle. They were gathered in a plush sunroom at the back of the plantation house.

Lith shrugged. "She seemed vapid but genuine. As in, she understands and identifies with the Nephilim cause, but only in a distant way."

"I think that's very well put," Kwanten said.

Derek said, "Then the question becomes whether she is intelligent enough and strong-willed enough to join us, or whether we merely list her as part of the general militia."

"I think it would be worth it to give her a chance," Izzy said. "See how she does in the trials. Test her loyalty."

"There's nothing to lose in testing her," Lith agreed.

"Then we'll test her," Derek decided. "Izzy, start making the necessary arrangements. Edward, have you heard anything from the Elders?"

"The Watchers and the other ancients all think our plans are rash and our cause foolish," Edward reported. "They ask us to reconsider, but will not hamper us if we do not."

"Probably they think we need to learn a lesson from this." Lith shrugged. "My mother always says things like that."

"Lorabel's arrogance knows no bounds," Derek muttered.

"It does not," Lith said. "But as it remains, she is my mother, and I will expect all of you to treat our matriarch with respect."

"Fair enough," Derek replied. "I will treat her with begrudging respect. Caliota, have you heard from those humans again?"

"Yes," Cali said. "They claim to have found what we're seeking."

"Really? That's interesting. They're only humans." Derek leaned back in his lounge chair.

"They are powerful," Caliota returned. "And they say that we will soon have proof of what they found."

"Excellent," Derek said. "I admit, I'm fairly suspicious about how these humans were able to find an unfallen Naphil before we were. We have resources in Heaven and Hell."

"So do they, probably," Kwanten pointed out. "Angels and fallen alike would look twice at a Naphil asking for an unfallen kinsman. Humans, though, no one takes them seriously."

"You may be right," Derek said. "At the very least, this reduces our workload significantly, if they truly have found one. When will they tell us?"

"By Christmas," Cali said.

Derek grinned. "I think I like their sense of humor."

---

"Welcome to the New Council Meet and Greet," Avian Morrison said, leaning back in her tilted chair as though wishing to take a nap.

Of the Shadow Councillors, only Avian and Melisma were present. Astaire Kenton and Blair Winters each had business elsewhere. All seven of the new councillors were present, though, as was the new mayor.

"As you all know," Avian began, "the greatest threat to this city and its people as we speak is the Human Restoration League. For years, HRL infested our local government. They controlled our police force. They enforced their dangerous, anti-nonhuman laws. But in order for all of us to succeed, we should all be able to live together in peace and tolerance.

"That's why you're here. Now that we're aware of the existence of our nonhuman neighbors, it's up to us to make this city livable for us and for them. Equally; equitably. You will be our legislative line of defense, passing laws and approving policies that will make this a welcome city for anyone to live in. You were elected by the people--"