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“We’ll need time to examine and consider this new information,” Councilwoman Ishtasapa said among the nods of her peers. “We will reconvene in one hour.”

“As you wish,” Damian replied with a slight bow of his head. “However, I would take it as a personal favor if you ruledin favor of allowinghim to remain on my team. Abilities orno, he’s a valued member and friend.”

The implication was clear. The Aether wouldn’t be happy if they decided Trevor needed tobe put downlike the rabid dog they believed him to be.

“And as for the matter of Ms. Stephens?—”

All signs of affability left Damian when Councilman Pettigrew mentioned Soleil.

“Uh, yes… well, we… uh, that is to say…” Tom Pettigrew stammered in the face of the Aether’s cold stare. “I find her actions to be in keeping with self-defense and an act of heroism in saving the Aether’s life. All in favor?”

The entire Authority was quick to agree,with the exception ofAgnes and Melvin.

“No! No!” Agnes surged to her feet, her skin darkening to that of a beet. “She needs to be held accountable! She murdered my daughter!”

“Our ruling stands, Councilwoman Vector,” Knowles stated in chilly tones. “You and Councilman Glen will face an inquiry into your actions.”

“But—”

He continued as if she’d never objected. “Actions in direct odds with those of this organization. Actions for profit, on your behalf.”

Councilman Garcia banged his gavel. “This hearing isnowadjourned and will recommence in exactly sixty minutes.”

* * *

“We findTrevor Blane to be a contributing member of our society. However, in light of his behavior and the steps taken against innocents and mortals alike, we suggest rehabilitation, requiring six months of reconditioning,” Councilwoman Florence Carter stated exactly sixty-two minutes later. “If he passes the battery of tests and the psych evaluation when that time is up, the Authority will work with the gods to restore his magic.”

“However, should he fail, we will readdress the punishment. He is tobe takenfrom this hall to an undisclosed location, where his immediate sentence begins,” Councilwoman Aguilar added.

Fearing she understoodwhat the readdressed punishment would entail, Soleil jumped to her feet.“No!Thisisn’t right!”

Damian gestured downward for her to sit, but she ignored him.

“This is bullshit,” she shouted. “Trevor has done nothing wrong. Nothing more than your corrupt council has demanded of him.”

“Ms. Stephens, we ask that you sit down. Yourpersonalwants or concerns are not relevant to this sentencing,” Florence said. “Mr. Blane has gone rogue on more than one occasion.” The elderly councilwoman frowned in his direction. “It has come to light that you’ve healed a mortal girl only this past week. Without permission, I might add. That will need to be reversed by another Death Dealer, of course.” When Soleil would’ve objected, Florence held up her hand. “You’ve also taken the lives of others under the direction of theAether,without sanction from the Authority. These things weighed heavily into our decision.”

“Trevor Blane, do you understand our judgment and accept the consequences of your actions?” Councilman Garcia asked.

“I understand, but do not accept,” he responded in a dull voice.

Sickened with dread, Soleil leaned forward and tugged on Damian’s sleeve. “What does that mean? What?—”

Councilwoman Mattie Price appeared stricken. “Trevor! Or, er, Mr. Blane, you understand by not accepting your punishment, you will be put to death, yes?”

Gasping for air, Soleil stared at the other woman in shock.

Death?

His beautiful light extinguished forever?

“No, Trevor,” she croaked.“Please!”

“I’m sorry, Dalli.”His aching voice echoed in her head.“It’s time for you to leave.”

“Don’t do this. Accept. Just accept, and in six months?—”

Their connection ended with a sharp snap and a sizzle. His doing or the Authority, she didn’t know.