Page 127 of First Ritual

Whispers.

Some laughter.

Barrow’s incredulous expression. “That suggestion is based on what, Miss Corentine?”

“My magic.”

Even to a coven of magus in the business of magic, that sounded paltry.

“I see.” His reply elicited more laughter. “The team leaders have finalized the plan for this week’s strategy. We don’t alter it past this point.”

I dipped my head. “Of course, councilman. Then Vero will lose this week. Please excuse the interruption.”

A general sharp inhale followed my criticism. Only Corentin, sitting at the team leader table, seemed to enjoy my throwdown. The thing was, I wanted to win. I needed a win.

Barrow was going to fuck it up.

I sat.

The councilman opened his mouth, but Delta piped up. “I can see Miss Corentine’s point, Barrow. At the minimum, there is no difference in power balance—from what I can see—if we make the switches she has suggested.”

“With respect, Delta, Miss Corentine—though powerful and a valued member—lacks experience in Caves.”

Sage said, “She brings a fresh perspective to the game. Instincts she inherited from ancestors renowned for their prowess in Caves that should not be discounted.”

Winona spoke next, “Delta’s point is valid. The power levels of the match switches are equivalent. There seems no harm in making the change, and I perceive value in the show of natural magic we witnessed.”

Barrow’s face pinched.

Did I just gain a women gang?

The disbelieving gazes of around, oh, one hundred and sixty-five magus flicked between me and the seven Vero team leaders as my suggestion was openly debated.

“I can’t believe you just challenged the final plan,” Rooke whispered. If she’d had spray and a cloth, she would’ve started cleaning.

“Sure did.” I lifted a shoulder and caught the uneasy glances of the other magus at our table. They’d been tainted by association, poor souls.

Barrow’s voice swept through our half of the eating chamber. “A vote. Those in favor of making the switch?”

Delta, Sage, Winona, and Corentin raised their hands.

Four.

My hand curled to a fist. Yes. Yes, yes, yes.

We had a fighting chance. This was great news.

“There will be a change in our plans,” Barrow announced in a neutral tone.

He was totally pissed. Ha!

“Miss Corentine,” he addressed me. “Do you back your suggestion?”

I dipped my head. “Without that alteration, Vero will certainly lose. With it, we are as likely to win as lose. Not a sure thing, but there is an opportunity to succeed where there was none before.”

The councilman didn’t like my words. Could be because I’d said their plan was a steaming heap of poop.

“What is it about these changes that alters the outcome so much?” he asked next.