I felt relief through our bond as Lou relaxed.

“However.” Prisha paused, glaring at the sudden muttering in the room. No one liked a “however.” Prisha cleared her throat and spoke louder. “The tribunal feels that, despite good intentions, we must set an example. In no uncertain terms should this type of bonding be encouraged or condoned. With that in mind, the Tribunal has decided that Louise Matthews will undergo three years of probation.”

She looked at Lou. “That means I—and other licensed, vetted animal mages—will be routinely assessing your work, checking in, and staying in contact with Dr. Larsen. We will not block you from becoming licensed, but you will have some oversight during your probationary period. Do you understand?”

Lou nodded, squeezing my leg when I wanted to argue. It wasn’t fair that she had to do any of this.

Life isn’t fair. She’s right. They can’t let me go without any sort of consequences. Oversight won’t hurt me.

That doesn’t mean I have to like it.

“Furthermore,” Prisha said, “in lieu of a fine, we will accept community service of no less than one hundred hours to be completed within a year from this date.” She looked pointedly at Lou. “The place we chose is one that specifically helps injured or damaged familiars and offers resources to their mages who otherwise might not be able to afford it. If you have another place in mind, we can discuss it, but I think you could do some really good work there.”

Lou agreed to Prisha’s conditions without hesitation. Just because it’s court ordered doesn’t change the fact that she’s right, I can do a lot of good there.

Then I will go with you. I wasn’t an animal mage, but I’d been a familiar. I knew what it felt like. I could help, too.

Prisha turned her attention to me. “Declan, we would encourage you to continue your meetings with Dr. Kobayashi-Jones and Juliet Woodbridge if you are able to do so. If you want to continue but the sessions are a financial burden, I’m sure Juliet Woodbridge can point you in the direction of additional funding.”

I glanced at Juliet and she gave me a thumbs up.

“I will be giving you my card as well,” Prisha added. “And the Tribunal encourages you to reach out at any time if you feel the need.” She examined the room. “Are there any questions?”

Lou’s hand was tight in mine. “Just to be clear—I’m not banned? I can still work with familiars?”

“You’re not banned,” Patrice said, her smile wide and friendly.

“Yet,” Prisha added, but her lips were curled in a faint smile as she said it. “We will be watching you closely. You cannot afford any other infractions.”

Lou gave a little salute. “Got it.”

Prisha’s eyes narrowed.

Lou gave her a cheeky grin.

The animal mage gave up and smiled back. “If there are no other questions, we will call this meeting of the Uncanny Tribunal Commission to a close.”