The first elder to bow rises. “The Blackblood is welcome here. However, the traitor must be dealt with as our clan’s tradition demands.”
“I’m the one who begged Marideth to bring me here. Practically forced her.”
“Grandmother, we wouldn’t have come if it weren’t absolutely necessary.”
Esther’s shrill voice interrupts. “Laws have been broken by one of our own. This defector has returned to our camp and broughtoutsiders.” She calls to the crowd like she’s trying to incite an angry mob. “I demand a trial.”
Mar’s grandmother takes a seat on the empty throne centered between the other four and waves a hand. “Name her.”
“Marideth Whitlocke, you stand hereby accused of treason,” Esther says with predatory joy. “How do you plead?”
“I plead guilty.”
Shouts erupt from the crowd. The only elder not to speak slams her staff into the ground, enforcing a tense silence.
“Marideth, come forward,” her grandmother beckons. Mar gets to her feet and steps up onto the dais, hands still bound in her lap. Dover growls on his knees beside us, jerking against his restraints.
“Tell me true, why have you returned?”
“Our friend is dead.” She glances back toward me.
“Someone I can’t lose,” I interject, earning her grandmother’s gaze. “If you want to punish someone, punish me. She was just trying to help. I promise we will leave here and never return if you just help me. Please.” My voice fractures. “I love him.”
The witch’s face softens as she appraises me.
“Why she returned is irrelevant,” Esther caws. “Did you or did you not choose to defect from the clan, to relinquish any and all abilities passed to you by your bloodline, through your mother and grandmother?”
“I did.”
“And did you not return with a slew of outsiders? Did you not keep your power, thus endangering us all?”
“I only used it when it was necessary. To defend our queen.”
My eyes snap to Marideth, my blood going cold at the mention of that word in reference to me.
“The law is absolute,” Esther retorts.
“It was my duty to help her! She is the last of her kind—the true leader. I would deny her nothing. Or have you forgotten that the Blackbloods once ruled you? Has time eroded your sense of loyalty? Your respect?”
The witches behind her are silent. Mar’s grandmother bestows a proud look on her. “This witch speaks the truth. The Blackblood came to her for help. I see no reason for punishment to be doled out.”
“This is blasphemy! Will justice not be served?” Esther rushes forward, desperate. I take a step in front of Mar, staring the bitch down.
“It has been. No blood shall be spilt this night.”
“The outsiders have seen too much.” Esther’s gaze shifts toward Kai and Dover. “They are a danger, and I will not suffer them to live.”
“Don’t you dare touch them!” Marideth snarls.
“They bear no ill intent.” The elder with the black hair and strange, striking eyes gives them a knowing look.
“And what of her magic? She defected! That magic no longer belongs to her.” Esther flings an accusatory finger at Mar. A few shouts echo through the room, backing her claim.
“Quiet,” her grandmother commands. With a sigh, she says, “Put it to a vote.”
“All in favor of stripping the traitor of her power?” Esther turns toward the thrones, her hand flying up before her sentence is complete. Fourhands lift into the air.
“Very well. It has been decided.”
