Leaderless

The conference room was silent. Only five of the six seats held people, and the absence of the sixth person was felt by everyone.

The monitor on the wall showed two people sitting together. One was a woman about the same age as Sera. Her hair was whitish-blond, and her eyes were two different colors, one blue, the other green.

Her face was beautiful, like every other Evolved. The sides of her mouth had a few laughing lines showing, which marked her usual jovial attitude. But that cheerful face showed only sadness.

There was no joy on her face, and her eyes were red rimmed, like she had been crying.

The other person held himself together much more. He sat with a straight back and emotionless face, and if he didn't blink every once in a while, people would think him a statue.

His hair was dark brown, while his eyes were a light hazel.

Cass stared at the man with curiosity, but she couldn't read his emotions, which were nonexistent.