Page 54 of Protected by the Fallen
I swallow as I count the color of the orbs which will save me. Four red balls of light. One above Sarah, one above the kind female, and two above two males whom I do not know.
Eight blue orbs. I can’t believe it. The majority of The Council believes Master Nate with nothing but his word. I’d underestimated his influence.
“The vote is not unanimous,” Sarah states the obvious. “Master Nate,” she addresses my accuser, “The Council cannot confirm or deny Veronica resurrected the Fallen, Jude, from death. If there is no other reason for her detainment, The Council has no choice but to release her from custody.”
I glance at the scholar. Master Nate looks surprisingly calm considering he just lost an argument. When he turns stony eyes to me, I know the fight is not over.
“The girl is not Nephilim,” he tries to prolong the discussion.
“Of course she is,” Sarah contradicts, revealing the first evidence of her bias. I’m sure I’m not the only one who notices her voice is elevated. She’s no longer the cool, aloof leader she’s supposed to be. “I can sense Veronica’s powers from here.”
“As can I,” Paul speaks up. I note the orb above his head is blue. He believes Master Nate, so why is he speaking against him?
His next words reveal his motives, “Though… young Veronica does not feel like a normal Nephilim.”
“What is that even supposed to mean?” Zeke speaks again, not willing to stand back and allow Paul and Master Nate to twist the narrative in their favor. “What does a normal Nephilim feel like?”
“Not powerful enough to rival a full-blooded Fallen.” Master Nate drops the bomb, and it detonates in a flare of whispers and exclamations of surprise.
“Didn’t I say she feels strong?”
“I told you there was something different about the girl.”
“Oh, yes. I sense it now. She’s powerful.”
“Your Honors,” Sarah addresses the table. Thankfully, her behavior has returned to calm neutrality, but the act fools no one, “we all know my sons are the most powerful of our kind. Is it not to be expected that theirbashertmust also possess a wealth of power to be compatible with them?”
“I am not disagreeing with you, Your Honor,” Master Nate continues. “The girl’s powers are vast, which is to be expected as the match to your sons’ souls.”
“Then what are you implying, Master Nate?” the friendly female asks. Three other council members nod, supporting her question.
“I imply nothing. I’ve already stated the girl is not Nephilim.”
“The girl’s name is Veronica,” Adrian finally snaps, growling with a promise of violence. “And you’d do well to remember the type of enemy you are making today, Nate.”
Several Fallen gasp. “Are you threatening Master Nate?” Paul asks in mock outrage. His eyes twinkle, and I know he’s enjoying every minute of this. He was never on my side. It’s been an act this entire time. But why? What have I done to earn his ire?
The monster inside stretches her claws, longing to run them down the councilman’s flesh. I lure her back into her cage and throw the key far out of reach.
“Not a threat; a promise.” Adrian takes a menacing step forward. Zeke grabs his forearm, preventing him from moving any closer to the table.
I groan inwardly. This is hardly the way to convince the room Master Nate is wrong. Adrian needs to keep his cool. He’s walking right into the Fallen’s trap.
“Do you see his anger?” Master Nate looks at The Council. “Why is he so upset? Why threaten me? Unless what I say is true and he’s trying to protect the girl.”
“I am angry because mybashertis treated like a criminal.” Adrian tries to pull away, but Zeke’s hold is strong. “And I suggest you stop disrespecting her and use her proper name, or Creator help me, I will make you regret the day you ever decided to go against my soulmate.”
It’s small and quick, but I see a flicker of fear cross Master Nate’s eyes.
“Enough, Adrian,” his mother commands. “Ezekiel, control your brother.”
Zeke shakes his head, begrudging the impossible task, but he puts another hand on his brother’s free arm. He stands behind Adrian, retraining him from acting on the threats brimming in his gaze.
“You still haven’t explained yourself, Master Nate,” a different council member, one who’s remained silent until this moment, speaks. “You claim she’s not Nephilim, then what is she? A full-blood? Do you think The Council would not be able to sense one of our own? Do you question our collective strength?” I want to sigh in relief. One sure way to alienate council members is to insult their egos. I pray Master Nate keeps it up. If he does, I may be able to walk out of this situation without any violence from my soulmates.
I feel one of my guards shift closer. I think he’s preparing for Adrian to break free and attempt to reach me. “When I give you the signal, you need to hit the ground and get out of this chamber as soon as you can,” his breath caresses the side of my face, and I barely hear the whispered instruction.
Startled, I lift my head and try to meet his eyes, but they’re carefully trained on the council.
