The courtroom was already buzzing when Cecilia entered.
She walked down the center aisle with Arkai at her side, his hand resting gently on the small of her back, his wolf ears swiveling vigilantly.
The gallery was fuller than it had been in previous sessions. Word had spread that something significant might happen today, and the benches were packed with journalists, legal observers, and the simply curious.
Perhaps they were right. Because clearly, and surprisingly, the Lesser Goddess came today.
Cecilia took her seat directly behind the Association's legal team, her pregnant belly making the motion careful and deliberate. Arkai settled beside her, his shoulder brushing hers, his pitch black eyes already scanning the room for threats.
She wore a simple navy dress, modest, her hair pulled back in a low twist. The cloud necklace rested against her collarbone.
The door to the defendant's chamber opened.
