I took a few seconds to describe—with Declan’s help—the tether of power the wolf had handed me. That intrigued them and Prisha’s expression changed from angry to thoughtful. As soon as I was done, the room was silent for a moment.

Mama Ami turned her attention to me. “Did the hunting party in the dream find you?”

I shook my head. “No. I broke the trap and we got away before that.”

Mama Ami smiled triumphantly. I’d made her proud. Yay, me.

“You busted her trap. You busted Eva Campbell’s trap.” She looked at the Tribunal. “Do you think her so green and weak now?”

“I think you consider her your daughter and you’re biased,” Woodbridge said. I wanted to punch him in his smug face so bad.

“She is my daughter,” Mama Ami said. “Which means I hold her to the highest standard. Yes, she has much to learn, but she will fight tooth and claw before she hands anyone over to the likes of Eva Campbell. Declan may not have given her express permission to bind him, but his wolf did.”

She stared every single Tribunal member in the eye. “His wolf trusted her, and so does Declan. So do I. I’ll monitor and guide them. I will help them strengthen the bond, so if the Campbells find him, they are as ready as they can be.” She put her hand over her heart. “I will also help them dissolve the bond as soon as Eva and Angus are back in jail.”

She stared down the Tribunal again. I’ve been on the receiving end of that stare. It’s terrifying. “It’s the best option for everyone involved. Before we leave, Ms. Bhatt can examine the binding herself and talk to Declan to make sure Louise isn’t forcing this choice on him.”

Prisha pursed her lips and considered me and Declan. “I would also want to do surprise spot checks to make sure it stayed that way.”

Woodbridge looked torn. On one hand, he didn’t like me and wanted to give me the boot. On the other hand, if the Tribunal had to keep tabs on us, he would get a small chance to study Declan.

Greed won out. “Fine, but I want her suspended until this is done. I don’t want her in your clinic, Dr. Larsen. She shouldn’t be allowed to work on other familiars until she is completely cleared.”

I started to argue, but Mama Ami cut me off. “She won’t do familiar work, but she will still work in the clinic. She has bills to pay, just like everyone else, Arcanist Woodbridge.”

“She should have thought of that before,” Woodbridge said, not wanting to budge.

Mama Ami’s eyes narrowed. “I will stake my professional reputation on my apprentice, Arcanist Woodbridge. Surely you’re not questioning that?”

My stomach dropped. The support was great, but if I messed this up? I didn’t want Mama Ami facing serious consequences for me.

Mollified, he waved his hand at her, delight in his eyes. Ugh, suck it, Woodbridge.