“I’m not asking that,” Kyra replied quickly, speaking before Alice could cut in. “I’m asking that if a witch is born with the ability that they should be trained rather than ostracised or even murdered.”
The two witches glanced at one another, her fate in their hands.
“Despite the evidence of your innocence, and the accusation against the Supreme the law still remains,” the woman stated. “Your admittance to practicing black magic is concerning, but not surprising. I would even say it was brave considering your situation.”
“I agree with the laws being outdated, and it’s a shame that according to those same laws there is only one choice,” the man added, his eyes flicking across The Guardians who were present in the room, and then the ones who waited behind the glass wall to her right.
Kyra felt attention prickle her side, turning to find Xander staring at her. She met his eyes of frost, watched them thaw as something else she couldn’t read flashed across those pale irises.
She smiled gently, hoping he understood that she had no choice, and she knew there was always a risk in returning to The Magicka. He had shown her even in their limited time together that she was worth her life, even if she was born from the darkness.
His dark brow raised, his fingers tightening against her own.
“Because the Supreme is indisposed we have come to a joint decision,” the man continued, forcing her attention back to them.
Kyra held her breath, blood a roar inside her ears.
“You have shown us the severe corruption within our own organisation, and because of the evidence you have provided we have decided that all charges are to be dropped.”
Xander pulled her from the chair, his arms wrapping around her shoulders.
“However,” the woman added with an almost sad smile. “Black magic is still banned within the law unless specifically licensed, so you must have your magic graded within The Magicka and recorded. Upon inspection we will decide whether you can continue to practice safely and within boundaries.”
Kyra’s legs would have collapsed if she hadn’t gripped Xander like a lifeline. “That’s fine,” she mumbled, unable to believe she had been given her life.
Kyra blinked away the memory, finding Xander watching her carefully. She offered him a small smile. “You going to tell me where we’re going yet?”
His eyebrow raised. “And spoil it?” he said with a smile, tugging her until his body blocked the icy wind, his lips brushing the side of her neck. She waited for her mind to react, for her body to stiffen but instead she settled closer, tilting her head so his lips had better access. “If you carry this on, you won’t get your surprise,” he gently growled before releasing her. “Come on, it’s just at the top of that hill.”
Kyra followed the direction he pointed, noticing a gentle glow between a thicket of trees. They had driven to the outskirts of the city, leaving the car at the edge of the national park. The grass crunched frozen beneath their feet, the snow only a thin layer as she struggled with the steepness.
Xander had been right, the cold walk had been worth it. She felt his eyes tracing her face, watching her smile grow as she noticed the picnic blanket, covered in a gentle dusting of snow that had been placed at the top. Candles surrounded the square fabric, protected from the wind by glass.
“This is…” Emotions clogged her throat.
“That’s not the surprise,” he said, pulling her down to sit on the blanket, his body tense beside her. “That is.”
Kyra hadn’t realised that in the distance was The Magicka castle, the hill overlooking the grounds without restrictions. She could make out a crowd, and someone on their knees within in a circle. She leaned forward, trying to get a better look, unable to tear her attention away as she recognised the green velvet coat.
Nobody could find him, the enforcers only discovering blood smears at the bastion, Frederick’s whereabouts a mystery. It had been at the back of her mind that she would never truly be safe, not with her looking over her shoulder for the rest of her life.
“It seems Alice had her own grudge against him,” Xander said quietly beside her, his eyes a brand. “She found him cowering in Wales. His trial was private, but Titus hacked the system and found out he was found guilty of treason. He’s to be sentenced to life in prison, and for his chi to be permanently suppressed.”
Snow fluttered around them, so gentle in contrast. The wind didn’t carry his cries, but Kyra was sure he shouted his innocence, Frederick’s body twisted with rage as he fought whatever hold they had on him. Two witches stepped forward, and even from the distance she could just make out the faces of the other two Triumvirate.
Kyra laughed, the sound echoing around them, but she was still unable to speak. Not yet, not while she watched the man who had controlled her for so long be tortured with a punishment worse than death.
It was fitting. Frederick had craved power, and would do anything to obtain it. Now he would suffer for the rest of his existence without it.
“I wanted to show you that he can’t hurt you anymore.”
Kyra licked across her bottom lip, turning to face Xander. His face was relaxed, eyes guarded.
“You’re safe to do whatever you want. Go wherever you want to go,” he continued quietly. “You’re free.” He spoke as if he was unsure, that she would leave and never look back.
Kyra threw herself at him, pulling his face down as tears burned her cheeks. Their relationship had started rocky, and she understood the reasoning behind his hatred. But as his lips parted, salt mingling with the delicious taste that was just him she couldn’t be happier.
“Thank you,” she said with a sniffle, the tears coming harder. “Thank you for everything.”
