Page 74 of Innocent Until Proven Witch

The stillness in her voice amazes me. I search her expression. "What makes you so sure?"

A faint smile touches her lips. "Because you're too stubborn to stop."

A calm laugh breaks out despite everything..

Reina's smile grows. "There he is."

"You make that sound like I've been missing."

"You have." The answer arrives immediately.

The teasing fades. Something deeper remains. I look at our joined hands, then toward the sea. Suddenly, the weight eases slightly. Not because the truth hurts less. Because I'm no longer carrying it alone.

The realization settles warmly inside my chest. Whatever happened to my father. Whatever Aldric buried. Whatever waits for us at the end of this investigation. I know one thing.

We're getting closer.

And this time, the truth isn't going to stay buried.

27

REINA

The walk to town hall feels longer than usual. Perhaps because everyone knows why I'm there. Perhaps because I know it too.

The morning air carries the scent of salt from the harbor, but even the familiar smell fails to settle the unease twisting inside my chest. People watch as I pass. Some openly, some from windows, others through half-open doors. The whispers follow me, not loud enough to hear clearly, loud enough to recognize.

I keep walking.

The council summons arrived before sunrise. Formal. Brief. Cold. After everything that happened with the cloak, the jewelry, and the accusations, there was never any doubt where this would lead.

The moment town hall comes into view, a strange certainty settles over me. This isn't going to end well. The feeling sits heavily beneath my ribs. I tighten my grip on the satchel hanging from my shoulder, then continue forward.

A familiar figure steps into my path. Lisa. Her expression immediately softens as she closes the distance and wraps her arms around me.

The embrace catches me completely off guard. My throat tightens. "Lisa."

"You don't need to be brave every second," she murmurs.

The words strike deeper than she probably realizes. The hug lasts only a moment. Long enough.

When she finally pulls back, her eyes search mine. "You aren't alone in there."

I attempt a smile. Lisa notices how fragile it is. Unfortunately. The woman notices everything.

"Remember that," she says firmly.

I nod, because speaking feels dangerous. Lisa squeezes my hand once, then steps aside. The entrance to town hall suddenly seems much larger than before. I force myself forward.

Inside, the atmosphere feels suffocating. Rows of seats are occupied. Townspeople fill the chamber. Merchants, fishermen, harbor workers. Faces I recognize, faces I don't. All waiting. All watching. The noise gradually fades as I enter, and my stomach tightens.

Near the side wall stands Iris, her arms folded, several documents tucked beneath one arm. She catches my eye, then gives me a small nod. Nothing dramatic, nothing obvious. Yet somehow it helps, more than she probably realizes. I return the gesture, then continue toward the center of the room.

The council occupies the raised platform. Aldric. Gideon. Several council heads. Others whose opinions seem to grow louder whenever fear enters the room.

Finn sits near the front. The moment our eyes meet, warmth flickers through the bond. Steady. Certain. His expression immediately hardens when he notices mine. Concern. Protectiveness. Determination. The sight steadies me. A little.

The chairman rises from his seat. "Reina Quinn."