Also a probability. Theo admitted dryly.
“We have heard testimony from the offender himself, as well as from other witnesses, that instead of at least caring for the girl, teaching her of her heritage, he took an antiquated approach in her raising. Trying to force a shift so that he could harvest from her, he spent the sixteen years he had her under his control abusing and torturing her and passing her to other humans for abuse. He had hoped that physical abuse would not only make her easier to control, but that the pain and the frequent deaths would force her Phoenix to rise.”
Ahmya had stepped closer to her father and was now studying me with an interest that made my skin itch. It seemed that most of the room had figured out that the Council was referring to me. Many looked at me with outright pity; others refused to meet my gaze. My guys took a step closer to me, helping to shield me from the other’s view.
“Her Phoenix did not rise, however. Without the help of family or the Council, her Phoenix remained subdued, only able to lend enough power to her to help her to live through the abuse rather than protect her.” My Phoenix hissed in my head, and I mimicked the noise. How dare he speak poorly of my Phoenix? Without her, I would be dead dozens of times over. “Only fate had her moving to Alaska to start college here. As she came to realize what she was, to allow her Phoenix to rise under the direction of strong mythologicals, the offender followed her. Again refusing to follow his duties to the Council, he continued to hunt her. He killed her again.” Cries of appall rippled from some throats, followed by shouts of disgust and anger.
“While we would have preferred finding out immediately about her when other shifters on campus recognized what she was,” Councilman Lacroix interrupted, “the shifters who found her tried to take on protection duties of their new friend. While the effort is commendable, we encourage each one of you to remember that we are here to help. You may not know some of the nuances of protection. There may be circumstances at play you are unaware of. We encourage all of you to come to us with problems. Even if you think you're protecting someone, let us help. It is our duty to all of you.” The smile on his face was soft as he viewed the room, looking from face to face. Murmurs of approval surrounded his words, and several people stepped forward, as if they needed to be closer to him to feel his words.
Councilman Khan continued, ignoring the interruption and the mild scolding of my men. I had been angry before, but now I wanted to scream. To publicly humiliate my men? For doing exactly what I had asked them to do? For being the best friends anyone could ever have? How dare they think they knew what was best in every situation.
Steady, sweetheart. Damien called out. I think they’re trying to get a reaction from you. Keep your walls strong. My father is keeping a general shield over the room making it harder for me to get information but I’m close. He’ll be doing the same searching I’m doing. Don’t give him anything he may have to disclose to the other members. He takes his duty seriously.
I tried to draw a deep breath without moving my chest. I needed the air to keep me calm, but I couldn't let my body give me away any more than I could let my thoughts give me away. I had to appear as solid, confident, and collected as my guys. A quick glance showed that they all maintained cool masks. It was odd seeing the nearly bored expression painted on Ryder’s face.
Do what I do, picture them naked. You’ll be incredibly bored—and fairly disgusted. Ryder’s teasing voice filled my head, though I could hear the strain in it.
“When she recovered from the shooting, he again made an attempt on her life. This time with illegally obtained Vish Kanya venom.” People reeled, most of the room now turning to gape at me, standing solidly in front of the dais. “Her special skills allowed her to do what almost none have ever done—survive. The offender managed to escape and ran from justice like the coward he is. Councilman Ishida? Nix?”
The Councilman waived his hands, drawing Michael forward. Pressure at my back from Hiro’s warm hand had me moving forward. Michael and I were both only steps from the thrones. Councilman Ishida took his seat, his outstretched hand maintaining a soft glow, I assumed locking Michael in place.
“Now, it is the time for judgment. Annika Coxx, do you see the man who claimed to be your father? Who abused you and attempted to murder you on multiple occasions?” Councilman Rahal’s voice was harsh, echoing loudly in comparison to Councilman Khan’s soft speech.
Point him out, Nix. Theo’s voice was almost a warning. It’s considered your duty, or you’ll be lying to the Council.
“Councilman Rahal, yes, I do. Michael Coxx, right there.” I pointed at Michael, not wanting to turn and face him directly.
“Please note that the man identified as Michael Coxx is actually Henri Gagnon. He is a part-blood shifter. He has been identified by both the oppressed as well as multiple witnesses. Once we were made aware of the situation, we were able to quickly find and apprehend the perpetrator. Our research has shown that all charges against him are accurate as stated. Therefore, in front of the shifter community, this Council will now pass judgment.”
“Henri Gagnon. You have been charged with murder, attempted murder, treason, conspiring against mythologicals, child endangerment, child abuse, and assault. Councilman Ishida will now lift the wards surrounding you so that you can answer the charges and make any pleas on your own behalf to us at this time. Note that while the bonds on your person will be released, the barriers that surround this dais and this room will remain in full effect. There is no escape and, one way or another, you will answer for your crimes.”
When the Council had begun talking, I didn’t think they would startle me. Piss me off, hurt me, betray me with the easy revelation of my story—absolutely. Startle me? I didn’t think there was anything that really would. All of these years, and I hadn’t even known his name. The name that had haunted my dreams, made me cringe when I saw it on the page or heard it from the mouth of an actor or acquaintance, had all been as fake as the life we had been living. Would that fear change? Would the name Henri now evoke the same visceral reaction? Would the name Michael lose that?
I tried to focus on the man standing only a few feet from me, both afraid to look in his direction and yet, needing to see this all the way through. Due to the inference of the Council’s statement, I assumed an execution was upcoming. Part of me was thrilled at that idea. I had often imagined him being punished for his crimes against me, dreamt of him experiencing a fraction of the pain that he had put me through, living with the same fear I had. Still, a part of me dreaded the idea as well. If I pushed for his execution, watched it—or worse, enjoyed it—didn’t that make me just as bad as him?
He had clearly lost weight since the last time I had seen him. A frame that, while muscled, was always heavy due to alcohol, was now nearly emaciated. Though no marks were visible on his body, he held himself as if he was in pain—a posture I was very familiar with. His eyes were shadowed in a face that was edging towards gaunt and covered by a thick layer of stubble.