The Judges focused on me. “The Soul Laws exist to protect the sanctity of the soul and prevent unlawful claiming, especially across realms.” They seemed to take a different tone with me. Almost as if they sympathized with my position. “The laws define what is permitted, what is forbidden, and who holds jurisdiction when a soul has been lawfully bound, transferred, or indebted to another.”
I dipped my head. “Thank you.” Well now I knew what the law was. But what exactly was Wolfe planning?
I did owe him the debt, but I’d assumed it was…well I guessed it was personal between us.
But from the hardened look in his eyes, I could see that this was so much more.
"Under the Soul Laws of the Accords, a debt exists between myself and Lady Elariya Grayson." Wolfe took control of the conversation. His bright blue eyes flicked between Prince Maelor and Thayden, but I felt the weight of his stare, like a boulder pressing against my spine. “By virtue of that debt, I hold rightful claim to her soul.”
He lifted the vial, and light flared from within—bright, alive, pressing against the glass as if it recognized its master. I remembered Erethis speaking of the Echo of ownership. That must have been it.
Mother’s eyes hit me first. I looked at her and also found the very wide eyes of my grandmother and Emabelle staring back at me.
Great.It turned out that all the parts I’d left out from my recent trip to Galaythia were catching up with me. I could see the accusation in their eyes—you should have told us.
I couldn’t agree more, but that was the least of our worries right now. I turned away, focusing back on Wolfe and the soul vial with more eagerness than before.
Gods. It was still glowing just as vibrantly. Like it had when Erethis filled it with my soul.
"The debt was entered freely and sealed under binding law,” Wolfe continued. “The echo we see in the vial is proof of that. And of claim. The vial will only glow in my hands.”
“And how did you, in themagical realmcome by Elariya’s soul?” Thayden spat, eyes blazing.
The scathing look Wolfe gave him could have burned stone to ash. All this time he’d only spared Thayden a few glances. Now he held him in his gaze with undivided, merciless contempt and I didn’t know how Thayden was still standing beneath it.
The room held its breath with me, waiting for Wolfe’s answer.
What would he say?
Would he tell them about my father?
Would he tell them about the ring, and that he took me to locate it?
Would he tell them about Thayden, and what he’d done?
We’d kept all of that secret for good reasons.
Would he spill our secrets today?”
“The matter of how I came by Elariya’s soul is none of your concern.” Wolfe’s dark gaze swept over Thayden with a calmness that didn’t match his expression.
“I was expecting more of an answer.” Prince Maelor cut in.
My nerves spiked. Of course, Wolfe’s answer wasn’t enough to please the likes of Maelor and Thayden. But Wolfe Nightblade was no fool. He wouldn’t have given that answer if he couldn’t.
A glance at the judges and I realized I was right. They looked like they didn’t need any more than what was said.
“Well, what say ye, Prince of Shadows?” Prince Maelor prodded, glaring at Wolfe. “You brought an army into my castle, and dragons sit on my doorstep. You owe me the courtesy of an answer.”
“Matters of lawful soul acquisition are private under the Accords,” the Judges answered for him. “Without evidence of foul play, we may not compel disclosure. The wielder may speak, or remain silent. Lord Nightblade has chosen silence.”
Holy hells.No way.
They weren’t going to make him explain.Anything.
Wow. Wolfe had found a door in the law and walked straight through it.
Wolfe cleared his throat and continued speaking. "As the Soul Laws grant the holder of the debt full claim over the debtor and all attachments recognized under inheritance and bloodline, I have come to claim what’s rightfully mine."
