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Until it didn’t.
Evie shook her head. “Don’t,” she said softly. “Please.”
Ben hesitated.
“I’ll explain why after this is done, but don’t touch him. It’s for your own good.” Evie’s voice held a pleading note.
Ben frowned but extinguished the light.
“Now,” Thorvin said, “it’s been a delight—”
Rowan barked a laugh.
“But we all have other things to tend to. Soren, while you are on your other duties, you are not allowed to act as a Lord in any way, shape, or form. You are considered landless and without authority.”
I winced, but Soren seemed unbothered.
He nodded. “Understood.”
Thorvin rubbed his face. “This type of request is unprecedented and may not be granted in the future. We will convene at a later time to discuss such matters.” He slid a glance over to the preternaturally still Ethan. “When things normalize once more and we are all in a better state of mind, we will discuss what has happened here today.”
This was the most I’d ever heard Thorvin speak at one time. Dude must be exhausted.
“As far as you, Moira…” His voice trailed off. “Word reached us of your ordeal.”
My jaw clenched. Heat touched my cheeks. Soren stepped closer.
“Many people underestimate Soren.” His eyes flickered. “Even the man himself. But make no mistake, he will be a stalwart champion to your cause and will use both claw and might to assist you in your journey to right this horrific wrong done to you.” He offered me a sad smile. “Soren has the full backing of every single Lord on this panel.”
Thorvin held his hands out. “If I were not chained by the duty of office, I would gladly stand by your side and assist you.” When he spoke next, his voice cracked. “There is no greater wrong than a mother damaging a child—one she is sworn to protect. The full weight of the Lords stands with you on this. Good luck and happy hunting.”
Hot tears pricked the backs of my eyes. “Thank you,” I croaked.
Thorvin gave me a sharp nod and rose.
This meeting was adjourned.
Chapter
Twenty-Five
’Twas an awkward walk out. Soren remained silent as we exited, me following behind Evie, wanting to wring her neck just because her dad was a prick.
Rowan tailed us, his expression thoughtful. I felt his eyes on my back the entire way to the lobby.
Evie stopped by the bar. “Anyone want a drink?”
Multiple affirmative groans rang out, mine included.
“Gods yes,” I said.
Evie laughed and detoured left. She marched straight up to the bartender, rattled off several drinks, and motioned for us all to take a table tucked toward the back.
“Do they have Cliona’s booze?” I asked as I settled myself into the booth with a groan.
Evie chuckled. “Every place that has a hint of paranormals around has Cliona’s booze. Mom is swimming in money.”
“We pretend not to notice Cliona dumps a bunch of it into Evie’s accounts monthly,” Rowan added with a chuckle.
