"Do you deny exhibiting unusual protective behavior toward Rhen during the Hunt?"

I met the council member's gaze without hesitation. "I deny that my behavior was unusual under the circumstances."

Maren Solace sat at the center of the panel, with two senior council members flanking her. The preliminary inquiry had begun twenty minutes ago, and so far, every question had been predictable.

"Explain," the council member demanded.

"Rhen was exposed to a threat during an academy-sanctioned ...