Chapter 13 · The Moon Court Trial

Grayson's standing in the doorway like he owns the place. Four guards behind him, all wearing those black tactical vests that scream private security. The kind that don't answer to police.

"Step away from the doctor," Grayson says. His voice is calm. Too calm. Like he's rehearsed this.

Silas doesn't move. His hand stays on my wrist, fingers loose but present. "You have no jurisdiction here."

"I have a Council warrant." Grayson pulls a folded paper from his jacket. The wax seal catches the amber light. "Signed by three High Houses. Ivy Moore is wanted for questioning in connection with the Vane family massacre. She comes with me. Now."

My chest goes cold.

"That's insane," I say. My voice comes out flat. "I was eight years old."

"Old enough to survive." Grayson's eyes don't leave Silas. "Old enough to carry something the killers wanted. We have testimony that places a Moore bloodline artifact at the scene. You're the last Moore alive. Which means you're either a witness or an accessory."

I try to pull my wrist free. Silas doesn't let go.

"She's under Court protection," Silas says.

"She's under a temporary moon contract." Grayson steps into the room.