The Council chamber was deathly silent.
Lori's heart pounded so loudly she was certain everyone could hear it. Her hand was clasped tightly in Attia's, her fingers cold and trembling. She had prepared for a fight. She had prepared for accusations, for evidence, for a long and grueling battle.
She had not prepared for this.
The head Council member's voice echoed through the chamber, each word landing like a hammer blow.
"Based on the evidence presented by concerned parties," he intoned, his ancient eyes fixed on them with cold detachment, "the Council has reached the conclusion that the bond between Lorelei Thompson and Attia Scott was coerced. That Miss Thompson, through manipulation and exploitation of her physical condition, forced Headmaster Scott into a mating against his will."
L
