Chapter 15 · Let the Testimony Burn

The courtroom smelled like old smoke and fear. Wantang sat in the defendant's box with her spine straight and her hands folded, the ledger hidden under Rowan's coat two rows back. Milo Quinn stood at the witness brazier. His face was gray.

The flame between them burned white. Truth fire, they called it. It could tell when someone believed what they were saying. It couldn't tell if they were wrong.

That was the gap she needed.

"State your findings," Sephra said from the high bench. Her voice was smooth. Too smooth. Like she'd already won.

Milo swallowed. "I tested the vial delivered with the accusation. The substance inside was distilled nightveil extract. Lethal concentration. Enough to stop a heart in under two minutes."

The flame stayed white. He believed it.

Wantang's pulse kicked. She couldn't call him a liar. The fire wouldn't let her. But she could make him remember what he didn't see.

"You tested *a* vial," she said. Not loud. Just clear enough to carry.

Sephra's eyes snapped to her. "The defendant is not permitted to—"

"I have the right to question evidence presented against me." Wantang stood. Her legs felt steadier than they should.