Jolie POV

I walk toward the Council members with my head down, moonfire dimming to almost nothing. Playing the broken, defeated vessel they expect me to be.

Behind me, I feel Ryder's rage through the mate bond. His desperate need to protect me. But underneath that, there's something else. Trust.

He knows I'm not really surrendering.

"Very wise, child." The lead Council member steps forward. His name tag reads Elder Nathaniel cross. "You'll be treated well, we simply need to study your ...