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“I heard that, Dalli.”

“You were meant to.”

He hid a smile behind his hand, but from her angle, she saw the gesture.

While the trial was in progress, she learned how the tanzanite’s telepathic connection worked. One had to be thinking of a person to communicate. Earlier, when she considered the Sentinels as a whole, they all heard her and responded in kind. Her link to Trevor was different and much more challenging to block, but in her anger, she’d been able to. The key was emotional distance. The less invested she was, the greater the block.

Councilwoman Florence Carter held up a hand. “I believe we’ve heard enough.”

Throughout the trial, those whose lives Trevor had saved spoke in glowing terms. Those whose family member or loved one he’d seen fit to destroy were harsh with their criticisms. They desired to witness his ultimate demise.

In his lifetime, Trevor Blane had made a multitude of enemies.

It gave Soleil pause. If he could no longer protect himself with his abilities, he was a sitting duck. Anyone seeking revenge would find it easy to achieve. Damian had done him irreparable harm by removing his magic.

“I agree.” Councilwoman Arwa Macari and Talutah Ishtasapa said in unison. They acknowledged each other with a nod, and Councilwoman Macari gestured for Councilwoman Ishtasapa to continue.

“With the list of witnesses in favor of Mr. Blane, this trial could go on indefinitely. Let us assume there are many positive attributes the young man possesses and move on. We need to hear the testimony of Councilwoman Vector and her daughter, Denillia, before we make a ruling,” Talutah said.

“All in agreement?” Councilman Garcia asked.

As one, the remaining members nodded.

“Councilwoman Vector, you have the floor,” he said.

Agnes went on ad nauseam about how she’d strived to be Trevor's mentor, yet he’d continually ignored her advice to run his own game. She then admitted to the scheme, encouraging him to fall in love with Deni to break his heart and return him to his true purpose of Death Dealer. The crowd gasped at her callousness, and Soleil’s rage brewed and bubbled beneath the surface when it became apparent the rest of the Authority found nothing wrong with her machinations.

“This is bullshit!” Soleil spat.

All eyes turned to her. Some, like Agnes, Melvin, and Deni, were gloating. Others were annoyed by her interruption, but many seemed to share her opinion, nodding their agreement. Trevor was the most difficult to read, merely watching her with a detached air. It was as if he’d retreated into himself so the proceedings didn’t touch him.

“You’ve had your say, girl. It’s our turn now,” Agnes declared.

Soleil sneeredherhatred for the woman and the con game she was playing. “Your turn to railroad him?”

Councilman Robert Knowles leaned forward. “Ms. Stephens, please refrain from commenting, oryou’ll be required toleave. Your objectionsare noted.”

“What aboutmyobjections?” Alastair Thorne rose and took his time tugging down his cuffs. “I have plenty.”

Knowles’s mouth thinned, but he didn’t reply.

Turning toward Spring, Alastair held out his hand, then smiled when she delivered a folder into his keeping. “Thank you, child.”

“This is highly irregular, Mr. Thorne,” Councilman Phillip Reed said, not unkindly. He’d been listening intently to the entire farce and had refrained from commenting until that moment. “If you’re to present evidence for this trial, it should be done through proper channels, sir.”

Alastair’s demeanor remained businesslike, yet Soleil had the distinct impression he respected the other man. “Agreed, Councilman. However, this information just came to light moments before our arrival.”

With a glance along the table, Reed nodded and held out his hand. “Please present your case.”

After taking a moment to straighten his tie, Alastair walked through the gate and approached, waving a manila envelope.“In here, you’ll find documentation provingcollusionbetween Melvin Glen and Agnes Vector.They hold shares in fifteen prominent pharmaceutical companies around the globe.” He opened the file and handed out copies to everyone on the bench. “Note the gross earnings their investments have made this year alone.”

Councilwoman Cynthia Doyle’s eyes flared wide, and she glared toward Agnes.

“On this second document”—he waved a hand and a paper settled before each of them—“you can see the communication between the two, discussing the need to shut down the Rainforest restoration project of Spring Thorne and Soleil Stephens atanycost.”

Frowns darkened faces, but the Authority held their peace as they allowed Alastair to continue.

“Prior to Ms. Stephens’ssanctionedabduction, there were four attempts on her life.”