The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

“This is Wilhelmina Colyns,” Valyn announced, and
every single part of my body flashed hot and then cold.
“She joined the Council after you…”
Valyn was speaking, but my heart was pounding so fast
that I couldn’t be sure if he even spoke a language I
understood. Oh, my gods, it was Miss Willa.
The Miss Willa.
Standing in front of us.
How could I have forgotten that she was a member of
the Council?
A wild wave of amusement rolled off Casteel so strong
that I almost laughed. “Wilhelmina,” Casteel drawled, and I
looked at him.
And then I remembered that this was Casteel, and he
could say anything in front of his father—and his mother.
And, oh my gods—
“We have not met,” I said quickly, reaching down and
placing my hand on his arm. I squeezed hard. “It is an honor
to meet you.”
“A huge honor,” Casteel added while confusion pinched
his father’s features.
Miss Willa smiled. “The honor is all mine.”
“Are you all ready?” Eloana asked, thankfully
interrupting.
I could’ve hugged and kissed the woman. “Yes.” I
squeezed Casteel’s arm, just knowing he was about to say
something else. “We are.”
“Perfect.” Eloana glanced at Willa. “Would you like
something to drink?”
“Whiskey, if you have it,” Willa answered.
Eloana laughed. “Now you know we always have that on
hand.”
The remaining Elders entered the room, taking seats at
the table. Only Vonetta remained inside with us, the rest of
the wolven standing guard outside the closed doors. Willa
joined the Elders, whiskey in hand. Casteel’s parents did not