“I don’t know. I don’t think so.” I gave her a soft smile as something occurred to me. “What are they going to do, bind me twice?”

Her face fell. “Declan—”

I pulled her hand up to my mouth, planting a quick kiss on the back of it. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just—what are they going to do? I have you now. In a weird way, I’m safe.” The idea made me feel better, almost optimistic. I could do this, right?

It was only a building. The courtroom was just a room. I rolled my shoulders. I could do this. After another few seconds, I nudged her with my shoulder, jerking my chin at the building. “It’s time.”

Lou let out a shuddering breath, then squared her shoulders, her head high. “Let’s go.”

They made us cool our heels in the waiting room for twenty minutes before we were let into the meeting room. At the front there was a raised dais with a long table. Behind the table hung a large purple banner with the symbol of the UTC on it—a chimera rampant, symbolizing the many forms that magic could take.

Three people sat at the table: An older woman with deep brown skin, her hair pulled back into a bun, sat on the left. Next to her, a gray-haired gentleman with the coldest blue eyes I’d ever seen. He looked like his spine wouldn’t bend on its own, he was so stiff, and pale, like an ice king. The last was a young woman, her straight black hair braided back, her tan skin glowing with health. She smiled at us.

A wide aisle separated the dais and a small empty table set up for me and Lou. Behind that table, there were several rows of chairs, most of which were currently full of Lou’s friends and family. So far, I was doing okay, and seeing Lou’s family helped. We took our seats facing the tribunal.

I turned around in time to see Trick come in. He walked up to the front quickly, giving us both a hug. I’d gotten used to Dammit being with him, so it was weird to see him without the little bird. But it had probably been smart to leave him at home.

“Hey, Van and Jules wanted to be here, but neither of them could get free.” He glanced at the judges and grimaced. “Though that’s probably a good thing. Anyway, they send their love.” He squeezed my shoulder, tipping his head at the back of the room. “I’d better grab a seat. I think they’re about to start.”

I leaned close to Lou as he made his way to the back. “What did he mean by that?”

Lou’s face was impassive, but she was too on edge to keep her shields up and I could feel a mix of loathing, anger, and resignation through our connection. She leaned close to my ear. “The man in the middle is Van and Juliet’s father.”