Chapter 10 · Put Her Blood on Trial

The council chamber smelled like old stone and something sharper. Blood, maybe. Or just fear baked into the walls over a few hundred years.

Vivian stood next to Lucas at the center of the room, under a chandelier that looked like it was made of bones. She kept her chin up. Kept her hands loose at her sides. If they were going to kill her tonight, she wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of seeing her shake.

The elders sat in a half-circle on raised seats, all of them in black robes with silver threading. Cyrus Grey was dead center, of course. His face was calm. Too calm. Like he'd already won and was just waiting for everyone else to catch up.

"Lucas Croft," Cyrus said. His voice echoed. "You stand accused of consuming witch blood. A violation of the Purity Accord. A crime punishable by immediate execution."

Lucas didn't flinch. "I'm aware of the law."

"Then you won't object to the test."

"I didn't say that."

Cyrus smiled. It didn't reach his eyes. "Your objection is noted. And overruled."

Two guards stepped forward, both holding silver blades. One of them grabbed Lucas's wrist.