Page 132 of Maksym

“You liked her before,” Lucia said.

“I am capable of liking people more over time. It is called growth.”

My father’s mouth moved by a fraction.

Grace continued, “I need the charge documents, any formal notice from the Council, any correspondence regarding the Alpha’s death, any witness lists if they’ve bothered with procedural fairness, which I doubt, and a complete account from Nikolay and Maddie. Not the polite, diplomatic version. Not the family version. The ugly version.”

Nikolay inclined his head once. “You shall have it.”

“Good.” Her gaze sharpened. “If anyone knows of anything that could look bad and decides not to tell me because it is embarrassing, incriminating, private, politically delicate, emotionally uncomfortable, or because ancient men enjoy hoarding secrets like dragons with property law degrees, I will find out at the worst possible time and be furious.”

For a beat, silence held.

Then Ryder said, “That is the most lawyer thing I have ever heard.”

“It was beautiful,” Maddie said.

Grace reached for her blood wine, took a measured sip, and set it down again. “We’ll also need to discuss narrative.”

“Narrative?” Nikolay asked.

“Yes. Facts tell the truth. Narrative tells people how to understand the truth before their prejudices get to it first.”

Maddie went still at that.

Not visibly hurt. Not dramatically moved. But some part of her recognized the battlefield being named. Wolf. Vampire. Prince. Mate. Dead Alpha. Council. Every old bias waiting to dress itself as reason.

My father spoke before Grace could continue.

“We have a date for the hearing.”

Grace turned her head. “When?”

“Four days out.”

Grace blinked once. Only once.

Then, under her breath, she said, “Shit.”

Every supernatural being in the room heard her.

Grace seemed to remember her audience half a second later.

“That is ridiculous.”

“Yes,” Kazimir said. “The Council has never been anything but ridiculous where the Kozlovs are concerned.”

Her gaze remained on my father. “What possible justification did they give?”

“Administrative efficiency,” Kazimir said.

Grace stared at him.

Then she gave a laugh without amusement. “Of course they did.”

“Administrative efficiency,” Taras said quietly, “often means they have already decided the outcome they prefer and find the process irritating.”

Grace looked toward him. “Exactly.”