Page 65 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“I’m not accusing you of anything. I have no proof. I’ve been on my own these last few days, so there have been many times I’ve been out of the room where we store our tinctures. I cannot watch the vials at all times. But I do account for them three times daily.”

The clan chattered again, but Miranda was standing close enough to Hovget that she could listen in as he leaned close to his mate. “Why did you not tell me vorial was stolen? I could have aided you.”

“You’ve been so busy with your study,” Wellia whispered with a glance toward Govek.

“I am sorry,” Hovget said gently. “The poison from the boar has been keeping me so preoccupied.”

The poison from the boar? Did he mean the poison from Govek’s blood? Was the blood Hovget took from Govek keeping him up studying?

Miranda’s curiosity was piqued and catching like a wildfire.

“All is forgiven, my love.” Wellia placed a kiss to Hovget’s cheek.

“This still proves nothing!” Maythra’s cry drew Miranda’s full attention. “I’m certain Govek stole the vorial! I’ve done nothing wrong! Chief Ergoth, you swore you would ensure this played out the way I?—”

“Be silent, Maythra!”

The venom in Ergoth’s words made Miranda flinch. The whole hall quieted.

There was something in the chief’s golden eyes, some vicious glimmer, that made Miranda suddenly itch to run. Go back to Govek. Head for the mists like he planned.

But her curiosity burned too. What had Chief Ergoth sworn to Maythra?

“This is a very serious crime you are accused of committing.” Ergoth’s voice dripped with checked rage. “And you have made far too many mistakes along the way for anyone to think you are completely absolved.”

“B-but my chief?” Maythra stammered.

“Speak the truth now, and perhaps I can be lenient,” Ergoth said slowly. “Did you steal vorial from the Healer’s House? Did you attack Miranda in the woods? Was it you who has lied before this clan?”

Maythra clenched her hands in her skirts, darting her eyes around the hall. “I-I don’t. I didn’t?—”

“We did.”

Miranda’s gaze shot to Wolvc. He got to his feet. His body wavered, but his eyes were clearer now. He raised his chin high and looked out over the clan.

“We attacked Miranda.” His words were muffled from the bandages and slurred from his injury, but clear enough to make out. Miranda’s heart pounded. “Maythra’s idea to show Govek as unfit.”

“No!” Maythra screamed, but it was drowned out.

Miranda’s mind buzzed and her ears rang with the sound of the clan in a complete uproar.

And her eyes found Govek, who had gotten up. He was standing strong and tall and utterly shocked. Eyes wide, eyebrows high, mouth almost agape.

Hands unclenched and relaxed at his side.

They had won! They had gotten him his justice! It was done!

And yet . . .

The thrill of victory dimmed in her chest. The adrenaline and anticipation of this day ebbed away. Her stomach clenched and her palms sweated.

The faces of her babies flashed in her mind.

They had gotten justice. She should feel better. She should be ready to talk to the seer!

But the heavy, pressing weight of grief clenched in her gut.

Why hadn’t it ebbed? Even just a little?

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