They walked back to the hidden room, and the painting slid open as before, revealing the metal door behind it.
Only two people were left in the observation room this time, both focused on the screens, barely sparing them a glance as they entered.
Phillip led them straight through and into the conference room.
It was full.
More than thirty people sat around the table and along the walls, and every head turned toward them the moment they stepped in.
Iyisha slowed, her shoulder brushing Malcolm's arm before she shifted closer, almost slipping behind him without thinking.
"You're here," Arnulf said with a small smile as he gestured to the open seats. "Sit. Let's begin."
They took the empty chairs, and Iyisha glanced around as she settled in.
The room held a mix of people, young and old, men and women, but they all wore the same expression she had seen since arriving.
Serious. Tired. Focused.
No one looked away.
