POV: Ryker

The tribunal chamber feels colder the second day. The same high windows. The same circle of dark robes. But the air has changed. Yesterday was about Dorian. Today the council turns its attention to the woman who sat at his table for fifteen years and smiled while Ayla learned how to disappear.

I stand at the edge of the witness section with Caius and Zane. Ayla sits between us, spine straight, hands folded. The bond runs quiet and steady through all four of us. No one has to speak for me to know she is ready.

Mara is already seated at the defense table. She wears soft gray,...