Page 141 of De-Witched

“That’s interesting, but—” Luisa began and was once again interrupted as two men barreled through the doorway.

“Bastian? Bluewater?” Gabriel’s shock echoed through Leah at the sight. “How did you know about this?”

Kole eyed him with distrust. “Emma told him, Bastian told me.”

“Where’s Henry?” Tia spoke up.

“His father—”

“Typical,” she muttered.

Bastian went to Emma, brow knit. “You shouldn’t have come without me.”

“I didn’t want to get you in trouble.”

“I’d face anything for you. You’re not alone.”

She cupped his cheek. “I know.”

Kole, meanwhile, was glaring at Leah. “You’re in so much trouble. What was the first rule?”

“Well.” Isabella ventured a smile, lifting her glass again. “It’s becoming quite the party, isn’t it?”

Kole faced her, bowed. “Your Excellencies. Please consider pardoning my sister and Tia.”

“Not me?” Gabriel muttered. Leah hushed him.

“Their actions were wrong, but I hope you can find it in your kind and just selves, especially in light of what all our families have done for you, to grant clemency.” Kole held Arlo’s eyes, adding emphasis to the words. “And if there are consequences for Emma, I ask to bear them in her stead.”

“No, you idiot.” Emma rounded on him. “I’m ready to face whatever needs to be faced. Just so long as Leah can keep her memories and be welcomed here.”

“You’re the idiot.” He poked her.

“Agreed. Hush.” Bastian tugged her back.

Kole continued. “But I concur, Your Excellencies. Let us take the consequences, not Leah. She has proven herself to be a valued, trusted human whose presence here could add to our society, not take away. She truly is...exceptional.”

Leah felt on the edge of bawling at all of them showing up for her. But deep inside, she’d never doubted them. They were, all of them, hers, and she was theirs.

“We appreciate all of your arguments,” Luisa said. “And—now what?” she said with exasperation as the door opened again.

And Leah’s heart stopped as Gabriel’s uncle stepped through.

Gabriel stared at his uncle, hardly daring to breathe.

They hadn’t spoken, not since Gabriel had accused August of betraying him. He’d tried to apologize, but August had simply walked off, bristling, face set in implacable lines. Gabriel couldn’t blame him. He’d thrown years of love and attention and family back in his face. He had betrayed him.

And now he was here. He didn’t like Leah—was he here to speak against her?

Gabriel’s chest constricted, making it hard for him to draw a full breath. “Uncle,” he managed. His hold on Leah tightened.

August’s gaze was sharp as it briefly landed on his nephew, then moved to where he linked with Leah. Something flickered on his face before he faced the family with a bow. “Your Excellencies.”

“Are you also here to speak for Leah Turner?” Arlo asked. Humor rose for an instant. “Are there any more of you?”

“That I don’t know. I’m here to lend my authority and weight to my nephew.” August didn’t show emotion, only the pulse throbbing in his throat an indication of how he felt. “This human—Leah,” he corrected himself, pausing to seek her out, “has opened him up in ways I haven’t seen since before my brother passed. He understands what it means to show weakness, and that showing weakness can sometimes be strength. He’s a better man for her.”

Gabriel’s throat was tight, crowded with emotion.

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