Chapter 0236

My heart nearly stopped when Seraphina suggested leaving to protect the packs. Like hell I'd let my mate walk away. Thank the moon Gregory agreed with me and made her see reason.

Her promise to stay eased the tightness in my chest. Not completely—this won't be over until we end it—but for now, my Seraphina remains safe beside me.

I turn to Adrian and Evelyn as we settle at the table. "There's another matter. Victor Blackwood."

Adrian pauses with his fork halfway to his mouth. "What about him?"

"He didn't kill my mother." The entire table goes still. Seraphina's fingers twine with mine beneath the wood.

"You're certain?" Adrian's eyes narrow.

"I trust Seraphina and Valeria. They say he's telling the truth." All attention shifts to my mate, and I feel her discomfort ripple through our bond.

"He can't lie to them," I clarify.

"It's more like...tasting deception," Seraphina murmurs.

Gregory leans forward. "Make sure Oberon knows about that ability. It wasn't among the gifts he listed."

Alistair exhales sharply. "If Victor didn't do it, who did?"

I lay out the entire story—from Tristan's murder, to my mother helping Victor, to her death.

Alistair and Gregory exchange a loaded glance.

"What?" I demand.

"We never believed the official story either," Alistair admits. "Until Victor kidnapped Evelyn, I thought him innocent. Had I known a child from Obsidian Moon was hiding nearby..." He shakes his head. "I'd have offered sanctuary."

"He was twelve," my softhearted mate adds.

Adrian studies me. "So what now?"

I meet his gaze squarely. "I've punished him for six months—partly for Evelyn, mostly for my mother." Seraphina squeezes my hand, her quiet strength steadying me. "I want to release him."

Adrian's eyebrows shoot up. "Just like that?"

"Yes. But I won't make this decision without you two."

Evelyn's gaze turns thoughtful. "Where is he now?"

"Still in the cells."

"Bring him here. I want to speak with him."

"No!" Adrian's roar shakes the windows. Exactly how I'd react in his place.

Evelyn cups his face, her thumb stroking the tense muscle in his jaw. "What he did was wrong, but his intentions weren't. Let's hear him out. He can't mark me now—I'm safe."

I already know she'll win this argument. Adrian once told me: 'Be whatever she needs. Because she expects it.' Seraphina's making me a better man—not the path I'd have chosen alone, but the right one with her beside me. She submits because she trusts me, and I'll spend eternity proving worthy of that trust.

"You stay by my side," Adrian growls, hauling Evelyn onto his lap and burying his nose in her scent.

"Always," she murmurs, arms looping around his neck.

After a long breath, Adrian nods at me. "Bring him up."

I mind-link the guards. When Victor enters, he freezes at the sight of us.

"Judgment day?" His voice cracks as he steps inside.