“It is obvious you care a great deal for one another,” Klepkurt says. “Does this conclude your character testimony?”
I shake my head. “When I first met Rhazan, the only thing on his mind was protecting me and my family from skreet. He spent countless hours helping me ward my café for no other reason than our safety.
“He thrives on pain, but he’s shown me nothing other than caring compassion, and I trust him completely.”
“I trust you, too,” Rhazan says, devotion thick in his words.
I smile at him, feeling his place in my chest glow with warmth.
“Thank you,” Klepkurt says, and light takes me away from him.
I’m in the stands again, looking down at Rhazan.
Sylvia puts her hand on my shoulder and whispers, “You did great.”
“Thanks,” I murmur.
The jittery nerves bloom in my stomach again and I grip the railing.
“It has been decided by this court that Rhazan Malakar be released from unmonitored parole,” Klepkurt says.
I let out a soft whimper and my eyes burn, but no tears come.
“You are free to go, and in twenty cycles, if you have not had another incident, your record will be sealed,” the spider continues.
Rhazan lifts his chin. “I won’t.”
“This proceeding is adjourned,” Klepkurt says, and the chime rings out three times.
Rhazan is beamed away and the doors on several levels open wide. We pour out into a different hall and I pull Sylvia aside.
“Where is he? Can I see him now?” I ask.
She shrugs. “I don’t know how any of this works.”
“He’ll be back in the bar soon,” Jamie says behind me.
I whirl around, profound gratitude swelling in my chest. “I’m so, so thankful for you. Thank you.”
She smiles. “You’re lucky he didn’t ask me a different question.”
“I know…”
I could only imagine what would’ve happened if she’d said he’d broken parole on the day of his hearing.
“We have one more stop,” she says, motioning for me to follow.
I want to pout, but there’s no point.
“See you soon,” Sylvia says.
I wave to them both and trail Jamie toward the exit.
“What’s this last stop?” I ask.
She glances over her shoulder. “Your reprimand from my boss.”
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