CHAPTER 79 — THE SELECTION CHAMBER
The boat traveled through a tunnel built before the modern city.
Stone pillars supported the ceiling.
Names of presidents, kings, and generals had been carved into the walls.
Some names had been crossed out before those people died.
Ward photographed everything.
“The Council has influenced leadership for more than a century.”
Elias found Gray Tide symbols dating back to the 1920s.
“Silas did not create the Council.”
Sarah’s body tightened.
Silas spoke through her.
“I made it efficient.”
They reached a circular dock beneath the Potomac.
Seven doors surrounded the Selection Chamber.
Each displayed a Council symbol.
The Crown door opened for Olivia.
The Wave door opened for Claire, Rose, Iris, and Sarah.
The Sword door opened for Mason, Jonah, and Elias.
The Eye door opened for Ward.
The Key door responded to Daniel.
The remaining Scale and Flame doors stayed closed.
Margaret’s blood opened the Scale door.
Everyone stared at her.
She looked equally shocked.
“Miriam once told me my family served judges.”
Claire realized Margaret had been chosen long before her children were born.
They entered the central chamber.
Seven empty seats formed a circle.
Holographic representatives appeared above them.
The Council members concealed their faces.
The Crown representative addressed Olivia.
“Return the Anchor, and your life will be spared.”
Olivia answered, “My child is not yours.”
The Wave representative addressed Claire.
“Return Lily, and your identity will be recognized as legitimate.”
“My identity does not require your recognition.”
The Sword representative offered Mason command of the military replacements.
Mason refused.
Each offer was designed around their deepest wound.
Finally, the Key representative looked at Daniel.
“You were created to open the final door.”
Daniel’s hand moved toward the seventh seat.
He could not stop it.
A hidden door opened beneath the Council chamber.
Inside stood the original Daniel.
He was older and badly scarred.
“You are not my copy,” he told Daniel.
Daniel stared at him.
“Then what am I?”
May you like
The man answered.
“My son.”
