on the outside. I’ll only see him when I’m allowed to visit, and that will have to be enough.
I take a deep breath. It’s not exactly the future I envisioned for us, but I accept it.
“Should we head back home?” My grandpa helps me stand, as if knowing I’m struggling to do anything right now. “Time moves differently here, so it will still be morning at home. Or, we can stay here and do a bit of sightseeing. Either way, we can turn in early tonight, so we’re fresh for tomorrow.”
I grip his hand tightly. “Yeah, that sounds good.”
They give me placating smiles, and I can’t help but wonder if they secretly think that I’m crazy for staying so committed to Collin.
The other attendees are also leaving the court. Collin’s magistrate is still seated at his table looking through his court papers. I debate asking him again if I can testify on Collin’s behalf, but I doubt he’s changed his mind. He truly thinks my mate’s case is a lost cause.
Anger burns in my gut. I have to do something. Collin’s going to die if I don’t.
I spot the woman who healed me from the poisoned arrow—Daria. She stands beside a massive mountain of a man. He has dark hair, broad shoulders, and keeps a protective arm slid possessively around her waist. I can tell he’s a werewolf not only by his physical appearance but also by the way he treats his wife. It’s as if she’s the most precious creature on earth.
It’s exactly how Collin treats me.
Daria gives me a sad smile when she catches me watching her. I step away from my grandparents to approach her. Since she’s the only one I know here, and she seems to know most of the people in this court, I wonder if she can help me.
“Hi, Brianna. How are you holding up?” She places a hand on her pregnant belly, her demeanor sympathetic.
“I’m okay, really I am, but I’m a bit concerned after what I heard today. It doesn’t look good and I know that Collin’s attorney—I mean magistrate—doesn’t believe Collin can be saved, and considering the light the opposing side is painting Collin in—” I can’t continue because a lump forms in my throat.
“I know.” Daria nods sympathetically. “Unfortunately, most rogues are judged before their trial even begins. Centuries of their compulsive behaviors can be blamed for that. There’s really not much your magistrate can do to save him.”
“But Collin’s not like that anymore.”
She cocks her head, and I can tell that she’s listening.
I step closer to her, and my words tumble out. “I know that he was a rogue werewolf, but he’s changed. Please, you have to believe me. He told me that the longer he was with me, the more normal he felt. And I know that to be true. When I first met him, he abducted me, and I saw how crazy his wolf was. I experienced it firsthand, but as the weeks went by he changed. Our love—” I pause and take a deep breath as emotions rise up inside me. “He says our love saved him.”
Daria stands silently, still watching me. Her brow remains furrowed, but she doesn’t automatically blow me off. “I have to say,” she finally says, “that’s rather interesting. I’ve never heard of a rogue being saved before.”
“He thinks it’s because I’m his fated mate.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “You’re fated? Not chosen mates?”
“Yes, we’re fated.” I eye the werewolf at her side who’s still engrossed in conversation with someone else before I turn back to his wife. “I can’t help but think that if I testified that maybe I could help. Collin’s changed. He really has. He’s not a rogue anymore. Maybe I can help them see that even if his magistrate thinks no one will believe me.”
Daria cocks her head, her expression turning penchant. “You truly believe Collin’s changed?”
I nod emphatically. “With all of my soul.”
She’s silent for a moment, studying me with those arresting turquoise eyes of hers before she says, “Let me speak with the queen justice. She and I are on friendly terms, and she may listen to me.”
My lips part. “You would do that?”
“I’ll try, because unlike a lot of the people in the community, I do believe everyone deserves a second chance, especially if what you’re claiming is true.”
I thank her profusely before hurrying after my grandparents.
My grandmother clasps my hand, and we step through the doors to the foyer. A shimmer of magic waves around