The die was cast.
Elena's hands rested on her temple as she watched the votes being counted. The stack against the war was tall, almost shadowing that in favor. The chances of rescuing Gabriel with a human army were bleak. Still, she hoped something miraculous would happen.
The herald placed the last vote on the towering stack of those against the war. Clearly, Elena had lost. There was no need to hear the herald's melodious yet spirit breaking voice on her failure to rescue the only person that mattered. Instead, she stormed out of the throne hall leaving the council in murmurs.
Gabriel used to say humans were a selfish species. Elena didn't believe him until now. And how could she not have seen this? From her brother selling her off like some cattle to the council refusing to aid the only person that stood between their life and death. She knew she had to expect the worst from now on.
