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She stuck her tongue out at him, and he chuckled.
“There is no threat to her here.” I made sure to enunciate the last part. “The council, while boisterous, has no power to rival mine. The only other creature that may come close cannot venture onto this plane.”
Vincent pushed from the wall. “So what? She destroys a city or two, takes lives, and then gets a vacation in a castle you’ve rebuilt for her?”
“Hey, she saved Neverra and me.” Logan’s tone made Vincent pause. Usually, Logan had a little more tolerance for Vincent, but not this time. Neverra rested her hand on Logan’s, giving it a light squeeze.
“Yeah. We all heard the story. She saved your life after nearly ripping your throat out.”
“She planned to send Neverra back, with or without me there. She is more than just the mindless monster the council would make her,” Logan said.
My brow rose at his vociferous defense of her.
“And I am happy you and Nev are home, Brother. I am, but does her potential for good outweigh the bad? Are we just forgetting about all the destruction she has wrought after one random act of kindness?”
The room went quiet. Even the birds outside ceased their chatter. I folded my hands in front of me and leaned forward.
“Do you have a problem with how I am handling her?”
Vincent’s throat bobbed, his calm demeanor melting away. “The problem is that you wish to give her leniency when she should be locked downstairs with Camilla. She—”
“I am well aware of what she has done, but I did not ask for your counsel on the matter. Nor are you one to judge what I can and cannot do. What exactly happened under your temporary rule?”
Vincent’s face flushed, and he opened his mouth to respond but stopped, thinking better of whatever he’d been about to say.
“Exactly. I am more than aware of your disdain for her.”
“Disdain?” He barked a small laugh, glancing at the room. “Am I the only one who isn’t under her spell? She practically gutted Cameron and tore through Onuna. I mean, seriously, the list goes on.”
“The circumstances are different. We are not dealing with a creature intent on mere bloodlust and destruction—”
“Seriously?” He cut me off, seemingly unaware he’d done so. “Is it really so good that you are willing to risk everything for her? To make excuse after excuse. Unir would never—”
I was on my feet the second my father’s name left his lips. Sparks of energy danced across my skin, my tattoos flaring to life as the room vibrated. Weariness had left my temper more than frayed, and the last few weeks had only made it worse.
“Out.”
It was the only thing I could say that wouldn’t ruin the centuries of friendship between us.
Vincent spun on his heel, yanked the council doors open, and stormed away without so much as a second glance back.
“All of you. You are dismissed until the council reconvenes.”
Cameron and Xavier shared a glance and practically ran out of the room. Imogen rose and murmured something about talking to Vincent before hurrying after him. Neverra and Logan rose slowly.
Logan met my gaze. “Vincent is only afraid. That’s why he lashes out.”
“I am aware.”
“Nismera did a number on him. We all know it, and he sees the ghost of Nismera in Dianna. It’s just fear. There is love for you behind his defiance,” Logan said.
I lowered my head, pressing my fists against the table in front of me. “I just wish to be alone. Please.”
He said nothing more, and they left, the large doors closing behind them. I sank back into my seat, my hand brushing over my face. The silence, for once, calmed my nerves.
“She called for you,” I said, staring straight ahead.
Roccurem solidified, his shadows writhing around him.
