“It is.” He closes the folder and sighs deeply. “As we discussed previously, each member of The Society is equal before The Tribunal. And as such, the sentence passed down to you would be the same as if it were any other member.”

I nod, wishing he’d get on with it. I have an idea what to expect. But I won’t know the extent of it until he spits it out and I think he enjoys this too much to rush.

“For her offenses in the law we are all guided by, which we must follow to the letter, Ms. De La Rosa is hereby sentenced to the maximum penalty.”

My heart slows to a heavy thud against my chest.

“Which in a case with such grave consequences to The Society as a whole is twenty-four lashes.”

I don’t move. Don’t breathe. Don’t blink. All while blood rushes my brain.

Twenty-four lashes. Christ. Mercedes would not be able to withstand that, and they would revive her every time she passed out before continuing. She would be made to feel every single one of those twenty-four strokes.

“Given the delicate state of this matter, it would behoove The Tribunal to keep this proceeding a secret and not upset the general population. No public announcement will be made. And the lashes will be dealt in private.”

Well, there is that. “I understand.”

“All that remains is a date to be set—”

“Now,” I say, speaking before I can think.

Hildebrand appears surprised. “That is out of the ordinary. I will choose a—”

“It is my right, Councilor.” I know IVI law to the letter as well as he does.

“Yes, Judge, it is. So be it.” He closes the folder, and the gavel comes down at the same time as he gestures to one of the guards standing by to escort me. I am then led through the door to a passage that will carry us to the cells and, at their center, the interior space where punishment in these delicate matters, as Hildebrand put it, are meted out.

I don’t think. I walk. And no one lays a hand on me as we enter the large space, one I’ve seen multiple times. One where I’ve borne witness.

There, I take off my jacket and vest. I tuck my cuff links into my pocket and remove my shirt. Mercedes would be made to strip naked. It’s how the women are handled. Not the men, though. I hear some of the things she’s said to me over the past few months, about how women are treated as second-class citizens within The Society. And she’s right. We are not all equal before The Tribunal. Not even close.

A guard steps forward to bind my wrists to the poles, but I shake my head. “Not necessary.”

“It is customary.”

“No.”