"I'm suggesting that maybe it's time to question whether the way we've always done things is the way we should continue doing them."
Merra leans back in her chair, studying us both. Before she can respond, the chamber doors open. The other council members file back in, their expressions ranging from shocked to disgusted.
"Well?" Merra asks.
Councilman Drex steps forward. "We found the drawer. Exactly where they said it would be. Contents...match their description. Jewelry, hair, teeth. Twenty-three items total, each labeled with a date and name."
The chamber is silent.
"We also found records," another councilman adds. "Purchases of humans who died within months. Always explained away as natural causes or accidents. The pattern is unmistakable once you look at it together."
"Where is Councilman Thrain?" I ask.
"He attempted to flee during the search," Drex says grimly. "He's been detained."
"So it's true." Merra's voice is heavy. "A sitting council member, a murderer. The scandal alone will rock our society."
"It should," Oliver says quietly. "Maybe it'll make other Lactari question how they treat their 'property.'"
"Perhaps." Merra looks at us. "As for you two, you still broke into a councilman's estate. Technically a crime, regardless of what you found."
My stomach drops. "I understand."
"However, given the circumstances, and given that your illegal actions exposed a murderer in our ranks, I'm inclined to be lenient. The council will discuss appropriate consequences, but I doubt they'll be severe." She pauses. "The real question is what happens now. Between the two of you."
"What do you mean?"
"You've admitted publicly to your relationship. That cannot be taken back. Society will talk. Some will be scandalized. Others might be...curious. You'll face judgment, speculation, possibly ostracism from certain circles."
"I know."
"And you're prepared for that? Both of you?"
I look at Oliver. He looks back at me. And I see our entire future in that moment. The challenges, the judgment, the constant fight to be accepted. But also the possibility of something real, something genuine, something worth fighting for.
"Yes," I say. "We're prepared."
"Then I suppose we'll be watching to see how this unprecedented situation develops." Merra stands. "This session is concluded. Councilman Thrain will face trial for his crimes. You two are free to go."
We stand, both of us a bit unsteady. As we turn to leave, Merra's voice stops us.
"Widow Primsyn? One more thing."
"Yes?"
"For what it's worth, I hope you find happiness. Real happiness. You deserve it after the marriage you’ve endured."
The unexpected kindness brings tears to my eyes. "Thank you, Councilwoman."
Oliver
We don't speakuntil we're back in the carriage, until we're safely away from the council chambers and heading home. Then Primsyn turns to me, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
"We did it," she breathes. "We actually did it."
"We did." I pull her close, ignoring the pain in my shoulder. "You were incredible in there."
"So were you." She laughs, the sound slightly hysterical. "Gods, Oliver. We just exposed a council member. We just told the entire council about us. What have we done?"
