40. Jericho (6)

Sebastian sat at the head of the low table, gazing around at his peers. All eyes were on him, some curious, some confused, some anxious, some angry. Only Aurora's eyes bespoke any comfort. Her small, warm smile encouraged him, bracing him against the accusations he felt sure would soon be assailing him. He had betrayed his comrades. It was his fault so many of them sat here with him on this hard stone of this cave on this outcast planet instead of in the comfort of their own homes. How could they forgive him when he told them how the Overlord discovered them? That he was responsible for their Fall?

Maya should be putting her daughters to bed. Orson should be shelving the day's returns in the state library. Potiphar should be tallying his earnings or planning the next capitol raid. Merlin...well, he didn't know what Merlin did when he wasn't working for the rebellion, but Sebastian had never seen him without a smile until now.