Page 18 of Devoted in the Midlife

We quickly filled them in on the situation with the daggers, Kit, and the dragons. "We'll keep you posted," I concluded after giving them a general run-down of what had happened over the last few days.

"So, shall we dive into our usual business?" Jax said. "It's been a hell of a few weeks."

"That's putting it mildly," Dominic agreed, his expression sobering.

"The dragon situation seems stable for the moment," I reported, absently petting Flint's scales as I spoke. "But it's opened up a whole new set of complications. We're in uncharted territory here."

"Agreed," Amaya chimed in. "And with Arric serving his penance, we're short a council member. Tobias's seat can't remain empty for long."

Jax leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "I've been giving that some thought. We need fresh perspectives, but there's still the question of Soran and Gretchen's bloodlines. Do we extend invitations, knowing what their progenitors did?"

Dominic frowned, exchanging a weighted glance with Amaya. "It's a tricky precedent. While I believe in judging individuals by their own merits, the sins of the maker do linger."

"Corruption doesn't flow through every branch of their line," I argued, perhaps a bit too forcefully. Flint chirped in apparent agreement, and I had to resist the urge to smile. "We can't hold entire families accountable for the actions of a few bad seeds."

"You make a fair point," Amaya allowed, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. "But the risk remains. One rotten apple can still spoil the barrel."

Jax cleared his throat, drawing our attention. "What if we tried something new? Instead of defaulting to bloodlines, we could have the region leaders hold elections. Appoint members to serve limited terms, bring in new voices every decade or so."

I sat up straighter, mind whirring with possibilities. "I like it. Keeps things from getting too stagnant, and it gives the regions more direct representation. Helps keep things running smoothly on the ground too."

Dominic stroked his chin thoughtfully. "It's a radical departure from tradition. But perhaps that's exactly what we need right now. A chance to evolve."

"We four would remain at the helm," Amaya clarified, her expression calculating. "With the elected members serving as advisors, yes? Their votes would hold weight, but the ultimate authority would still rest with us."

Jax nodded. "That's the idea. A balance of stability and progress."

"It could work," Dominic mused. "Amaya, darling, could you draft up a proposal? We can circulate it to the region leaders, get their thoughts."

"Consider it done," Amaya agreed, jotting a note on the pad in front of her. "I'll have it ready by the end of the week."

I beamed at the computer screen. "This is good. A step in the right direction. Speaking of progress, how's the jury lottery system working out?"

Dominic grinned. "Splendidly, actually. We've only had to convene once since the trial for Arric and the twins, but it went off without a hitch. Smooth, fair, and efficient."

"Music to my ears." Jax leaned back in his chair. "I think we could all use a bit of quiet after the recent chaos."

"Hear-hear," I agreed fervently. "Though actually, while we're on the subject of making amends, what's the status on compensation for the necromancers? The ones Soran and Gretchen had locked up for years."

A heavy silence descended, the weight of past mistakes hanging thick in the air. Dominic sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead. "It's proving a delicate matter, haggling over price. They've suffered immensely, but there's debate over the council's obligation to make restitution."

I could sense my temper rising, frustration simmering underneath my skin. Flint made a soft noise of concern, a tiny paw patting at my cheek. I took a calming breath, reining myself in.

"Debate?" I repeated flatly. "Those necromancers lost years of their lives, subjected to unimaginable cruelty, because of the actions of council members. Soran and Gretchen's betrayal is our responsibility to bear. We make this right."

Amaya held up a placating hand. "We're in agreement, Hailey. Truly. Perhaps the solution is simple—we finance the reparations directly from Soran and Gretchen's estates. Their assets should more than cover what's owed."

"Fitting," Jax remarked, a hint of dark satisfaction in his eyes. "Let their ill-gotten gains fund a bit of justice for once."

Dominic scratched at his beard, a habit I recognized from countless council sessions. "It's a start. I'll reach out to Ava, and come to a fair arrangement. With luck, we can put this sorry chapter behind us."

I exhaled slowly, trying to release the last threads of anger. Flint cooed soothingly, and I managed a small smile. "Good. It's long overdue. While we're on the subject of cleaning house, I have to admit, the enforcer team could use some new blood."

Jax shot me a questioning glance. I shrugged, feeling oddly sheepish. "I haven't been giving it the attention it deserves. Too many plates spinning lately. We need someone else to head it up."

"I'm sure we can rustle up some qualified candidates," Dominic assured, his gaze knowing. "Why don't we each draw up a list of recommendations, and bring them to the next meeting?"

I flashed him a grateful look, relieved to have the support. We lapsed into a companionable silence for a moment, the heavy conversation settling around us. Flint took the opportunity to clamber down into my lap, turning in a tight circle before plopping down with a contented sigh. I chuckled, giving his eye ridges a gentle scratch.