CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY EIGHT – UNFOUNDED ACCUSATIONS

Elena stepped forward as well. "I've become close friends with Cassie," she added. "I've seen how hard she's worked to fit in, how much she cares about our community. These accusations are baseless and cruel." The room erupted into arguments, with some supporting Cassie and others calling for her immediate expulsion. Sorin raised his hands for silence. "This is a serious matter," he said gravely. "We cannot afford to be wrong, in either direction. We will take some time to deliberate." The next hour was the longest of Cassie's life. She sat alone in a small antechamber, her mind racing with all the possible outcomes. When she was finally called back in, the room had grown eerily quiet. Sorin stood, his face unreadable. "Cassie Hartman," he began, "we have considered the evidence and testimonies presented. This council finds that there is insufficient evidence to support the accusation of espionage." A collective gasp went through the room. Cassie felt her knees go weak with relief