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Fucking convenient.

Malgrave looks at me again. “If the Hellwardens determine the breach was accidental, contained, and unlikely to occur again, your voice may be returned.”

“May?”

“Considering you have now merged infernal and celestial power more than once, and the second occurrence was deliberate, permanent restriction is a likely outcome.”

That fucking hurts.

Because he’s right about one thing.

The first time was an accident.

The second wasn’t.

Sentinel and I reached for each other, and we chose it.

“This is bullshit,” Sentinel jabs.

“This is supernatural law.”

“Same-fucking-thing.”

Raze steps between us before Sentinel can turn diplomacy into a celestial felony. “If Carnage cooperates tonight, he stays here?”

“Yes.”

Raze glares at Malgrave. “No chains. No Hellwarden watching over his shoulder.”

“He remains under the protection of his club while the investigation proceeds, provided he makes no attempt to recover or recreate what is taken.”

“And Sentinel?”

“Will be questioned.”

Sentinel gives a humorless laugh. “Can’t fucking wait.”

I barely hear him.

My voice.

My-fucking-voice.

They aren’t talking about taking the roar and leaving everything else alone.

They’re taking all of it.

I won’t be able to speak. Won’t be able to laugh. Won’t be able to tell Ruckus to shut the fuck up. Won’t be able to call for my brothers if something comes through another tear.

Nothing.

I look at Raze.

He holds my eyes, and I can see exactly what this is costing him. Every part of my president wants to tell Malgrave to get the fuck out of our clubhouse and take his laws with him.

But brothers are standing behind me.

Sentinel beside me.