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He sighed in relief.

“I’m not finished,” Soleil stated, head held high. “I want to press charges against those who agreed with my abduction and attempted murder at the hands of Agnes Vector and her daughter, Denillia. And I want answers as to why.”

Trevor had never seen her so fierce. The sight stole his breath, and he wanted to jump up and clap on her behalf. She hadn’t looked his way since he’d ordered Damian to stop her, and the realization Trevor had hurt her deeply was difficult to bear. At his hands, she’d suffered. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. It gutted him, and the first chance he got, he intended to set the record straight with a profound apology. He only hoped she had it in her heart to forgive him.

“Denied. Take a seat, Ms. Stephens, oryou’ll be escortedfrom this chamber.”Melvin Glen avoided looking at the Aether, but when the room temperature dropped again, he quickly added, “Respectfully, of course, and under Authority protection.”

Soleil huffed out a breath. “You’re saying it’s okay for your council members to take unconscionable action against those of us not special or skilled enough to sit on this bench?” Her hands rested on her hips, and she glared her fury. “We’re all at the whim of your games? Our lives are forfeit if you decide to bang your little mallet and declare it so?”

A collective murmur flew through the crowd behind him.

“Go, Dalli!”

Again, she ignored him, refusing to respond or glance in his direction.

“Captain Ellis, escort Ms. Stephens from the room,” Glen ordered.

Although the head of the Red Guard approached, she made no move to touch Soleil. She seemed to hover protectively, prepared to defend her should the need arise.

“Councilman Glen, I’m positive that’s not the best course of action for anyone involved,” Damian said, and the unmistakable threat was in his tone. “But, in an effort of fairness and good faith, Soleil will shelve her rightful complaint until after Mr. Blane’s trial.”

“I don’t wish tobe handled, Damian,” she said coolly.

Trevor grinned. Here was the woman he’d come to love. When it mattered, she wouldn’t let a slight stand.

“Not handled, Soleil,” Damian replied with a warm smile. “You’ll have your day in court, my dear. Those who wished you harm will be held accountable.” He looked at Agnes, then Melvin.“Count on it.”

Somewhat appeased, Soleil nodded and marched back to her seat. The entire time, she refused to glance Trevor’s way.

“Dalli?”

“Not now.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

“Not now.”

“But—”

“You insulted my intelligence, Trevor. You said I’d make it worse.”

“I also said it was because you don’t know the Authority like we do. It was never an insult to your intelligence, Dalli. I didn’t want you to interfere and put yourself front and center.”

“Because you’re ashamed of me.”

“No!”

“You think I’m a backwoods witch with no worldly experience.”

“Not backwoods, but perhaps a little innocent to the ways of the world.”

She glared at him, and his heart sank. Forgiveness would be a long time coming.

CHAPTER27

Soleil was happy to see there were fair council members on the bench. Agnes Vector wasn’t allowed to resume her position with them andwas forcedto wait in the galley for her turn to speak. From the looks of it, she and her daughter were at odds, but everyone knew looks could be deceiving. Soleil didn’t trust them not to be cooking things up behind the scenes.

For every person who spoke against Trevor, three more testified on his behalf.Shewas gratifiedatthe amount of people whovalued him for his previously held gifts.It showed he had a kind heart, even if he was stupid on occasion.