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(I accidentally deleted my comment, so I’m re-posting. Sorry if it shows up twice.)

I push open the heavy doors and enter the large hall.

“Hello darkness, my old friend.” I sing the words before my eyes adjust to the dark.

Ohhh… there’s people in here. I feel like I’ve disturbed a solemn gathering.

“Sorry!” I whisper. There’s a lot of unfamiliar faces. But beautiful faces. I would draw them all if I could, using charcoal to capture the deep shadows.

I glance around taking everything in. High backed wooden chairs gathered around a long table. If I’m not mistaken, one of those chairs has my name on it.

My brother isn’t here yet. Maybe I should go find him…

I approach the table, looking around for my chair. There it is. The engravings are beautiful.

“Whoa…” I can’t suppress my awe.

A silent lion, head bowed, is carved into the dark wood. I suck in my breath. I will not cry, I will not cry. But it’s perfect. Someone must have put a lot of work into this.

I settle into my chair, realizing I probably should have made an attempt to wipe some of the dust off. I’m going to be covered in it. Whatever.

The guild master’s chair is empty.

My knee bounces under the table. The sound of awkward silence has filled the hall. I offer a smile to the others who are seated around the table. “Hey, everyone.” My voice cracks. Ugh.

Nervous excitement sends tremors up my spine. My fingertips trace the jagged lines of a heartbeat racing down the arms of the chair.

I glance at Kate. I can’t quite make out what’s on her chair. This hall needs a giant chandelier. Or a stained glass window on the south side.

I clear my throat, breaking the silence again. “So… What are we doing here?”