Chapter 66

Valerie's POV

Before daybreak, the echo from the hall had reached every corner of the district. Whispers spread like wildfire, slipping into taverns, carried on the lips of council aides and pack messengers.

I could hear their gossip about Celia. It was Celia's turn to be talked about, to be laughed at, to be the center of attention. Isn't this what she wants? To be the center of attention? Now I