He resisted the urge to attempt engagement with one of his bright smiles. Understanding the fragile nature of his future required a more circumspect response. He cocked his head and listened intently.
“In addition to your Draco Station status, being a genetically modified human being on Earth makes you illegal on Earth.”
He nodded, agreeing with the judge as the truth had no defense. He was a man with no place to claim, only a destiny.
“The problem is, no one is willing to pay your way back to Draco Station since you’re no longer able to work the surface of Draco Prime.”
Before a smile broke free, he ducked his head. He had outmaneuvered Pantheon.
Best move I ever made. Never going back there.
Masking his pleasure, he glanced at the judge.
“It seems, Mr. Savoy, you’re a liability wherever you go.”
Unwilling to agree with her, yet taking a moment to appear contrite, he dropped his gaze again.
“As for your Earthly crimes, the court could argue for the death sentence.”
He held his breath and counted. One, two, three—
“And yet you are a ten-billion-dollar investment by Pantheon, who insists you not be destroyed.”
He exhaled slowly, still uncertain where these convoluted facts left him.
“In spite of your claims of self-defense, per your conviction, I must sentence you. For any other case that would be a simple affair.” She shuffled through papers on her bench, drew one out and waved it.
“But not so with you, Mr. Savoy. Apparently, there’s a late addition to this mess.” She halted to look over her glasses at him. “That being a Stay of Sentencing entered by the Species Defense Coalition pending establishment of your status as an endangered species.”
This news stunned him, encouraging a spark of hope to rise. He leaned slightly forward with unexpected anticipation.
“So, in accordance with the law, both international and … beyond, I sentence you to Purgatory Penitentiary until such time as your status can be further determined.” She smacked the gavel as if happy to have found a place to send him. “Mr. Savoy, is it true handcuffing your hands behind you prevents you from being able to shift to the dragon creature?”
He nodded, not interested in escaping. His life was a progression of miracles, his sentencing only the latest, all guiding him to his true destination. While he hadn’t expected to find his place in prison, he shrugged, accepting this as an adventure along his path.
The judge pointed to the uniformed guard. “Handcuff him from behind so he can’t shift.”
As they removed his manacles and bound his hands behind his back, he smiled at the judge, wanting her to remember him. She surprised him when she added, “Good luck, Mr. Savoy. I wouldn’t want to be you.” When they led him away, he glanced over his shoulder at her.
I wouldn’t want to be anyone else. I’ve seen Purgatory on Draco Station, and I’ve worked real hell on the surface, so your penitentiary is an upgrade.
He winked and lifted his chin with acknowledgement, accepting this event as a step towards discovering his true purpose and the place he was meant to find.
They entered the elevator, the guard’s face filling with a grin as he grunted with glee. “Huh. Self-defense. Right, Savoy. Well, if you aren’t a criminal when you get to Purgatory, you will be when you leave—if you ever do.”
THE END
TO BE CONTINUED
For more of Arcadian Savoy III’s adventures as he searches for his destiny in the Purgatory Penitentiary, look for Magic is the New Black Vol. 2 coming this summer.
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About the Author
DANA LYONS
In 2015 and 2016 Dana Lyons was voted one of 50 Great Authors You Should Be Reading. She writes speculative fiction, hot & sexy paranormal romance including shape shifter, reverse harem and crime mystery, time travel, as well as contemporary romance, and suspense thriller.
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The Black Garden
A Black Garden Penitentiary Prequel
Niobe Marsh
About: The Black Garden
“On the border between the Seelie and Unseelie Kingdoms, a dark garden grows…”
The Black Garden Penitentiary holds the prisoners of the fae realms—murderers, thieves, and traitors to the crowns of each kingdom.
When an attempt is made on the life of the crown prince of the Golden Citadel, justice is swift and brutal; but when an unknown benefactor intervenes, the culprit is hauled away to the Garden.
The plot runs deeper than anyone knows, and those at the height of power in the Golden Citadel have their own dark agendas. Liri must stay alive any way she can, but the cards are stacked against her, and enemies are closing in from all sides.
Will she be safe behind the ivy covered walls of the prison—or is her fate already set in stone?
Chapter One
At the border between the Seelie and Unseelie kingdoms, the Black Garden blooms.
I’d spent my whole life listening to stories about what it took to be sent to the Garden. It was a threat. A cautionary tale. A place that was reserved for the very worst threats to the Summer Court.
I never thought I’d end up here.
But if there was one thing I knew for
