The windowless chamber is exactly as I remember, circular and somber, designed with judgment in mind. Mahogany-paneled walls enclose the space while a colossal zodiac mural sprawls across the ceiling, its celestial symbols casting an eerie stillness over all who enter.

The last time I was here, Liam lost his auction privileges. Now, I wonder what I stand to lose.

Oliver nudges me forward into the circular seating, and I sink into the space reserved for Capricorn, between him and his father. The legacy members settle next to their sons as Mr. Castle steps to the podium. He rests his hands on the polished wood, taking in the room.

“A vote is in order.”

No preamble or drawn-out discussion. Just those five words from Liam’s father.

And so it begins.

The House of Aries starts, and the verdict is unsurprisingly in my favor. Next, Mr. Castle gestures at the House of Taurus. One by one, each house heightens my anxiety with its ruling.

When it’s Mr. Stone’s turn, he doesn’t hesitate, delivering his decision in the Brotherhood’s customary format. “Yay. She absolutely needs behavior modification.”

No surprise there. He’s been waiting for this.

More votes come, some echoing his verdict, and others standing against it. By the time the tally reaches the House of Capricorn, the numbers are neck and neck.

The elder Whitney votes against me, but Oliver leans back, and his leg presses against mine under the table. His deliberate nudge grounds me—unseen by the others but impossible for me to ignore.

He lets out a quick exhale, and I almost miss the crack in his facade when he says, “Yay.”

Still, I’m frozen, rooted in place by disbelief. Did he really vote to have me punished? I’m too stunned to react, part of me refusing to accept it.

Pax Monroe is a monster.

And Oliver just fed me to him.

Before I can find my voice, the heat of his thigh anchors me, bringing me back from the edge of terror, and I remember.

It’s not over yet.

Everyone’s attention goes to the next house, and a sliver of hope stirs in my veins.

A hope soon lost.

The Houses of Aquarius and Pisces split their decisions, deadlocking the count.

“We have a tie,” Mr. Castle announces. “As such, Liam’s vote will count as double to break it.”

Chaos erupts.

Mr. Stone is irate. Landon looks relieved. The Monroes are yelling at the Morgans. Ford and his father are on their feet, flinging insults back and forth.

Mr. Castle slams the gavel down. “Enough!”