Page 102 of Hidden

Rafe expected her to silence her child, to say that fae didn’t beg.

Instead, she surprised him. “Thank you for being my daughter.”

“This is very touching,” Malatest said. “However, there is a verdict and a debt to pay, and we’re wasting darkness.”

The words were like battle lines, keeping the species in their separate corners. No one truly trusted the fae and recent events had done nothing to bridge that gulf.

“I know that look, son,” his father said softly. “Don’t you dare start a fight.”

There was a shadow of their old fights in his tone. He was still an Alpha, and Rafe was still his rebellious son. This was no time for that fight.

“I won’t.” Rafe understood Izetta’s anger—he had been in the dungeon, too, and although his imprisonment had been longer, it had been far gentler than hers.

But there had to be another way forward.

Rafe went to Lila and lifted her from where she knelt on the grass. She raised her face to his as she stood, her eyes wide and frightened. The sight stopped his breath, and the ground seemed to move all over again.

“You and I built a bridge,” he said. “It shouldn’t have worked, but it did because I told you the truth and you listened. You showed me fae were capable of a kind of honor I understood.”

“We both wanted the truth,” she said softly. “But how does that help now?”

“My question exactly,” Izetta put in, her voice like ice.

Rafe squeezed Lila’s hands, then released them as he turned to face Izetta. “While we agree on guilt, we have yet to decide on a sentence.”

So much was in the balance. He’d just started to feel like pack again, but that wouldn’t last. His father was angry. So was Izetta. His life would be so much easier if he kept his mouth shut and stayed within the boundaries of expected discipline.

But duty looked different tonight. He turned to the king. “The fae have stood apart from the supernatural community for too long. Tonight proved we’re stronger together. Let’s learn to work together before another Farras or Teegar comes along.”

The king raised his brows. “And you believe sparing Galeeta’s life will further that goal?”

“Life leaves room for options.” Rafe folded his arms. “Death does not. And you granted me a boon, sire. I want a better solution.”

“I vote with my son,” the Alpha said. “If he’s calling in a royal favor, I should listen.”

Rafe closed his eyes for a moment, drinking in his father’s words. They had finally achieved at least some understanding now.

“I will listen,” Izetta said, exchanging a glance with Malatest. “I’m not in the business of mercy, Rafe Devries, but that’s what you’re asking from me. Make this good.”

Rafe was acutely aware of Lila beside him. A hollow place was opening up inside him. Soon the king and his Forest Fae would fade into the woods, leaving nothing but a jumble of memories behind. He should have known better than to let himself imagine a future with them—with Lila—in it. Years ago, Rafe had learned the hard way to keep all four paws on the ground, but that resolve was fading like the stars before the approaching dawn.

“I’m not looking to give the fae a pass,” Rafe said quietly. “I’m looking for a world where our communities can learn from each other instead of ending up at war.”

“I’ve rarely granted a wish that pleased me more,” Elroth said with a regal nod.

CHAPTER 36

Lila stood beside her mother, holding Galeeta’s hand as if afraid she would disappear. In that moment, it was hard to say if Lila was the protector or the one in need of care. Perhaps they played both roles, and that was how it was meant to be with mothers and daughters. They’d never given each other the chance to find out.

Now, thanks to Rafe, maybe she’d learn.

The wolf had returned to his place next to his father. He’d saved her more than once since they’d met, but convincing the others to spare Galeeta’s life was his greatest gift. None of the court nobles would have squandered a king’s boon that way.

There were no words vast enough to contain her gratitude to him. But even as she tried to imagine telling him that in some bright future, she couldn’t. There was only terrifying anticipation, one moment after the next, until her mother’s sentence was pronounced.

“Galeeta of House Fernblade,” King Elroth began, “you have transgressed our laws. Your guilt has been proven by your own account and the testimony of others.”

Lila’s gaze strayed to Rafe, as if she could draw strength from the sight of him. His expression was grave, a line of concentration between his dark brows. With a sudden rush of loneliness, Lila wanted him back at her side.

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