“Lilly, queen of the warlocks, we welcome you,” one of the males said. “Please, speak freely.”
“Myanin has been working with us to spy on the Order. She might have originally joined them to accomplish her own agenda, but somewhere along the way, her heart changed. Some of that was because of her own experiences with the Order, and some of it was because of encounters she had with the Great Luna and the soul of the elder whose life she took. She has since given back the magic, and she has expressed true brokenness and asked forgiveness from both Lyra and the Great Luna. I also took a Blood Oath with her because I believe that strongly in her.” Lilly opened her palm and revealed the crescent moon in the center. “I feel that is something you should know before you pass judgment.” Lilly looked at Myanin and nodded.
Gerick watched as Myanin lifted her free hand and held it open so the elders could see her matching mark.
The elders were quiet as they stared at the symbols, their eyes full of surprise. After a moment, they schooled their faces and seemed to consider his queen’s words as they stared at Myanin. Gerick squeezed her hand gently, once again reminding her he was there. He was with her, and he wasn’t going anywhere.
“And Perizada,” the female djinn who’d spoken first said, “have you anything to add?”
Gerick tensed as he waited to hear what the unpredictable high fae would say.
“I believe her,” Peri said, and nothing more.
“I must look,” the woman said as she walked toward Myanin.
Gerick started to step in front of her, but Myanin tightened her hand on his and shook her head. “This is Synica. She is able to see a person’s true intentions, among other things,” Myanin explained.
Synica glanced at him but then turned her attention back to his mate. Myanin held out her hand, and the elder took it gently in hers. There was no condemnation in the woman’s face, only sorrow. Synica closed her eyes, and as she held Myanin’s hand, his mate’s composure fell. The tight control she’d kept on her emotions cracked, and tears once again streaked her face. Gerick’s heart ached for her. He wanted to gather her in his arms and shelter her from this humiliation, but he couldn’t. She had to face the consequences for her actions. He would do her a disservice to protect her from such a thing. Facing the outcome of choices changed and shaped people. It refined character and helped one grow. He would not rob her of that.
The elder finally opened her eyes. Tears filled them as she stared at Myanin. The elder reached up and wiped his mate’s cheeks. “She speaks the truth,” she said, loud enough for the others to hear. “She has also been given a mate. The man beside her, Gerick, general of the warlock army.”
Synica turned to look at him. “May I?” She held out her hand to him. He didn’t hesitate to give it to her. He would do what he could to help Myanin, even if it meant letting this stranger into his mind.
He knew what she would find. Though he wondered if she would not only see his intentions but feel the conviction behind them.
When she released his hand, the look in her eyes made it clear she knew what he was willing to do for his mate.
“He will offer his own life in payment for her transgressions,” Synica said.
“No,” Myanin immediately cut in, her head shaking as she shot him a glare. “I will not accept his sacrifice. These sins are mine.”
The elder looked at her. The compassion in her eyes surprised Gerick. He had truly expected to find contempt in the faces of her jury and judges. “You still do not understand that you are worthy of love, Myanin. At some point, I hope you will realize it and accept it.” Synica turned and walked back to where the other elders stood. One of the males spoke.
“Thadrick, what punishment do you find acceptable?”
Gerick looked over at the male who’d once held his mate’s infatuation. He felt nothing as he stared at the tall djinn. There was no jealousy because Myanin was his. What she may have felt was in the past, and the here and now was all that mattered. The small woman beside Thadrick pulled on his hand, forcing him to lean down so she could speak in his ear. A moment later, Thadrick nodded and then stood back to his full height.
“I would ask that the Great Luna decide her fate. The goddess has clearly intervened in Myanin’s life already. Only her decision would be just.”
Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and the Great Luna was before them. She stood in the space between the elders and the others. Gerick bowed his head and saw Myanin do the same. Then, as one, they both knelt.
“I have heard the request,” the goddess said. “I have previously spoken with my daughter, Myanin. I have seen her heart. Actions have consequences. They may be good or bad, but they are always there.
“Myanin of the djinn, mate to Gerick, fierce warrior, for your transgressions, I offer you grace and mercy. I will not take your life, for it is not your time. As for the consequences, you will be stripped of your supernatural powers. You will keep the longevity of your life, though it will be tied to your mate’s. As he lives, so will you. As he dies, so will you. Your fate and his are now entwined. As he has willingly offered to lay down his life for yours, I see you would offer the same for him. This is my gift to you. This is my grace. Do you accept it?”
“I do,” Myanin answered, her voice quivering. “I thank you for
