The Celestial acknowledged him with a nod before he fixed his deep-blue gaze on Zev and Dyna.
“Intruders,” Captain Gareel snarled, “you are in the presence of His Royal Majesty, Yoel Soaraway. A divine son of the Heavens, the High King of Hilos, and the Four Celestial Realms. You. Will.Kneel.”
Zev took Dyna’s elbow and tugged her to the ground. He tensed, keeping his head bowed as he watched the bare feet stride through the grass, circling them.
“Cassiel,” King Yoel said conversationally, his voice idle and smooth. “Imagine my surprise when the captain came to inform me of your encounter with a human in my forest, and that you deemed it suitable to dismiss the Watchers from their post.”
“I had little trust they would abide by my command not to harm her, sire,” the Prince said indifferently.
“You defied our laws when you spared her.” The High King sounded curious than angry. “Why?”
Cassiel kept his gaze respectfully lowered as he rose stiffly from his bow. “She is not a poacher.”
Zev clenched his fists to control his wolf pacing inside of him. They spoke of Dyna as though she wasn’t listening to them debate her life. He sensed her confusion, but she did well to remain demure and quiet.
Zev bated a breath before slightly lifting his head. King Yoel stood with his arms crossed, the edges of his mouth curled in disapproval at the Prince. They didn’t resemble each other, except around the nose and jaw. Their colored features were stark opposites. The Prince blended in the dark, whereas the King was the light.
“You have broken a momentous law, son.”
Cassiel lifted his head, a flash of defiance in his eyes. “I amnotthe first.”
That must have held meaning for something crossed the High King’s face before it slipped away. “This is a grave matter. The court adheres strictly to Rael’s Laws.”
“This human is innocent. She means us no harm. I have proven it.”
King Yoel looked to Dyna. “Have you?”
“Yes.” Cassiel crossed his arms. “Therefore, I’m granting her royal immunity and amnesty. It is my right, and the court has no say against it.”
His father and the Watchers gawked at him.
“Such absolution places a perpetual liability over you both,” King Yoel said. “It requires her fealty and silence. The repercussions are grave if she is ever found in contempt. Are you certain you wish to grant her this?”
Cassiel sighed as though the whole subject was of no consequence. Zev knew little of Celestial law, but what the Prince offered was protection at his own expense. If Dyna revealed to anyone that they existed, her life would be forfeit as well as his.
“Yes,” Cassiel said, “it is granted.”
The High King raised his brows and glanced back and forth between his son and Dyna. “Very well, I have no choice but to release her into your care. You are responsible for her discretion.”
“What of the were-beast, Your Majesty?” Captain Gareel asked.
The High King observed Zev thoughtfully. “We have shared our borders with the Lykos Pack for centuries. We have had no qualms with them and we will not start now,” he said, motioning at the Watchers to stand down.
A grating whisper stirred in Zev’s thoughts, dragging through him like claws.Would their decision change should they discover you have no Pack? What would they think if they knew what you have done?
“Zev?” Dyna called faintly. She looked at his arms where fur sprouted, his fingers digging into the earth.
If he didn’t silence the Madness, he would shift. He closed his eyes and focused on the scents of damp soil, pine, and old fallen leaves until the whispers faded. The Madness could condemn him later.
The Watchers sheathed their swords except for the captain. The white flames glowed brightly in the dark forest. The archer lowered his loaded bow but kept it at the ready, tracking Zev’s movements.
“Rise,” the High King said. “No harm shall befall you.”
Zev helped Dyna stand, and they both met his penetrating gaze. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“And with whom do I have the pleasure of acquainting?”
“I am Zev, and this is Dynalya of North Star.”
