Michael jerked forward, and arms burst from the long, black sleeves of cloaks behind him as hands held him at bay. Simultaneously, Samuel angled his body toward Jared in a protective stance. He didn’t crouch, as I had seen Claire do so many times before when she protected me. Samuel would not fight his brothers, but he wouldn’t allow them to harm us.

Claire leaned against my arm, and whispered in my ear. “Shut up, stupid. You’re not helping.”

“She should not speak here!” Michael said, jerking away from his allies.

“Enough,” Eli said, his voice calm and even. “Nina’s fate is affected. She is allowed an argument,” he said, looking to me. “Your thoughts have been considered. That will be all.”

For the first time, I didn’t feel Eli’s bias. I nodded quickly, showing my obedience with a small step back.

“Claire….” Eli said, moving the trial forward.

“The truth is, Isaac and Donovan were working with Shax, and they were there to kill Nina, in effect to kill Jared,” she said in her no-nonsense way. “Eli, it was going to be Donovan or Nina. Isaac or Jared. If you ask me, the best man won.”

Her words stung Michael, but he didn’t argue.

Eli’s eyes scanned the looming angels behind Michael. “Do any of your supporters wish to enter opinion?”

Michael shook his head. “It is my claim.”

“And what exactly is your claim?” Bex asked.

Michael’s eyes narrowed, staring directly at Jared’s younger brother. “That he murdered my son.”

Claire took a step forward. “Your son murdered Nina’s father.”

When recognition hit that Claire was speaking of my father, my knees buckled, and Jared tightened his grip to keep me on my feet.

“W-What?” I said, my voice barely a whisper.

Jared leaned into my cheek, his nose grazing my ear. “Donovan shot your father. Isaac was with him.”

My eyes widened, focusing on Michael. “You want to blame Gabe and Jared? You come here, interrupt our wedding day, yell at me, accuse us of murder, and your son was an accessory to the cause of all of this?”

Michael’s dark eyes darted from me to Eli.

Eli shrugged. “She has a point.”

Michael’s jaw dropped. “Isaac did not to deserve to die. He was a good son. He accepted the curse and honored his duties.”

“Michael,” Samuel said in his deep, firm voice.

Michael stepped toward Eli. “Gabriel’s son should be punished! He allowed his Taleh to kill my son! Rebecca’s son!”

Eli looked to the ground in thought. “Rebecca was unhappy with Isaac’s choices, was she not?”

Michael’s eyes flickered to each of us. “I demand Jared be punished for taking Isaac’s life.”

Samuel spoke again. “Michael….”

“Jared should be killed, and leave his Taleh to the savages,” Michael said, pointing to Jared.

“Michael…” Samuel repeated, this time with a low growl.