Dad nods. “None of us were happy with how your Bonding experience ended, Sienna. And we’re sorry for it. Ollena in particular will not countenance any future Trials going ahead until they’re reviewed, and the Denied law revoked.”
Sienna shrinks in her chair. My hand raises to clasp the back of her neck gently, my fingers massaging her skin. “So… I’m still Denied. I can’t go home.”
“Technically,” my dad admits, and Gray curses. “But we seem to have found a loophole.”
The tension in the room ratchets up as everyone stares at him. But my eyes move to Sienna’s face, watching her expression.
“Whilst we cannot legally revoke your status until a new beta representative is appointed,” my dad explains, “every citizen of Navarre is entitled to an appeals process in law. It has never been applied to the Denial process because no omega had ever been Denied, until you. But you’re also entitled to it, Sienna.”
I watch as Sienna’s eyes fill. “She can go home?” I ask, just to make sure I’m understanding correctly.
My dad nods. “Yes. Whilst the appeals process is underway, you can return to Navarre.”
My heart clenches as Sienna leans over. Her body trembles under my hands as she drops her face into her hands.
She can go home. She can see her family again.
But it might be temporary, if another vote doesn’t go in her favor.
“Who will the new beta representative be?” Logan asks, his thoughts clearly following mine.
My dad shrugs. “We don’t know. A few have put themselves forward, but nobody meets the eligibility requirements.”
I frown. “The Herrith connection?”
When my pack looks confused, I elaborate. “It’s a difficult position because the beta representative should also act as the link between Navarre and Herrith. They need to have spent time in both places to be eligible for the role.”
Gray raises an eyebrow, giving me a considering look. “If only we knew someone who could be a good fit.”
Pursing my lips, I nod at him but don’t say anything. I had the same thought. But it’s not a discussion for now, not when our Soul Bonded is curling into herself next to me, her arms wrapped around her waist as if she’s physically holding herself together.
Getting up, I give my dad a nod. “We need a minute.”
His brows lower. “Take all the time you need.”
Not asking for permission, I bend down and lift Sienna into my arms. She doesn’t push me away, burying her face in my shoulder as I carry her towards the stairs. Dampness soaks my skin as I carry her up and down the hall to her space.
I pick up on heated discussion coming through one particular door, keeping my footsteps light as I slip through into her bedroom.
Sienna is still pressed against me, so I sit down on her bed, keeping her on my lap and running my hand over her hair. “Talk to me, Bonded.”
It takes her a minute, but she lifts her face to mine, tear-stained and pale. “I can go home, but I might not be able to stay.”
I carefully wipe away the dampness from under her eyes. “We’ll fight it.”
“I can’t go through that again,” she whispers. “I can’t, Tristan. And I don’t just mean being Denied.”
My ribs feel too tight against my chest as I read between the lines.
“I can’t offer you proof,” I say quietly. “All I can offer are words, and I know you don’t have any reason to believe me. But whatever happens, we will not leave your side, Sienna. If they refuse to overturn it, then we will be leaving with you. But we canfightin Navarre. We can put a case forward. We can’t do that here, on the other side of the wall.”
My hands are tied here. I can’t help her. I have to sit and watch my mate suffer from the choices I made, and it hurts to feel so powerless.
“And what about us?” she asks me, her blue eyes wide on mine. “We’re not even close to figuring things out, Tristan. If we go back, that doesn’t mean everything is forgiven.”
“I know. You have choices now. The Trials are over.”
It hurts to say it. “You don’t have to come back with us if you don’t want to. We can carry on working things out, even if you’re with your parents.”
