The warm sunlight poured over the steps of the courthouse like a gentle blessing, but Roxanne hardly noticed it.

She stumbled out of the grand, heavy doors, still feeling the remnants of courtroom tension clinging to her skin like a second, suffocating layer.

Her hand was tightly wound around Ciel’s, as if letting go might wake her from a beautiful dream.

Free.

The word echoed in her mind, bouncing between disbelief and overwhelming relief.

She was free because of him.

Tears welled ...