“She wanted to settle her past peacefully and return home with me.”
His jaw tightened.
“And I intend to keep that promise.”
Willow slowly released a breath. For a brief moment, relief crossed her face. Ryker noticed. His expression hardened.
“Do not mistake my restraint for forgiveness.”
Willow froze.
“I am keeping my promise to Julia. That does not mean you will escape the consequences of your actions.”
He looked toward the direction in which his guard had gone to contact the council elder.
“You demanded that an elder judge you.”
Willow’s face paled again.
“So an elder will hear what happened and determine the punishment.”
Ryker leaned closer.
“And if the council elder decides that your actions deserve a sentence of death…”
Willow’s eyes widened in terror. Ryker’s voice remai
