Page 64 of A Roar for Magic

“Justus confessed while holding me captive.” Though weak, her voice carried clearly through the silent chamber. “He arranged the plane crash that killed Rook’s father. It wasn’t an accident—it was murder. He meant to kill the entire family, but Rook and Sabine were ill that day.”

Gasps and snarls erupted from the assembled elders. Rook’s world tilted sideways as the truth sank in. His tiger roared for vengeance, memories of that devastating loss ripping open like fresh wounds.

“Is this true?” Ren’s question cut through the chaos, directed at the broken figure in the holding cell.

Justus laughed, a broken sound devoid of sanity. “They gave the alpha position to my younger brother instead of me. Me! The eldest, the strongest. I fixed it. Or I tried to.” His eyes blazed with old hatred. “Should have been all of them on that plane. Should have been mine...”

Dragon fire wreathed Ren’s hands as he stepped forward. The temperature in the room skyrocketed. “Murder of your own blood. Attempted murder of children. Use of forbidden magic. Torture of an innocent witch.” Each crime hit like a hammer blow. “Your fate is sealed.”

Rook’s arms tightened around Clover as Ren’s power built to devastating levels. His tiger pushed closer to the surface, ready to defend their mate if needed.

“By the authority of the Mystic Council and the ancient laws of our kind,” Ren’s eyes glowed with inner flame, “I strip you of your autonomy. Your shifting ability now belongs to us. You will never again change form without our express permission.”

Magic like molten metal poured into Justus, burning away his connection to his tiger. His scream echoed through the chamber as Ren continued the punishment.

“You are exiled from Mystic Hollow for all time. Cross our borders again, and your death will be swift.” Dragon fire danced in Ren’s gaze. “Consider this mercy you do not deserve.”

With a gesture, Ren opened a portal crackling with ancient power. Two enforcers dragged the now-powerless Justus toward it.

“Wait.” Rook’s voice surprised even himself. He stepped forward, Clover steady at his side. “Why? He was my father’s brother. Part of our pride. Our family.”

Justus spat blood. “Because I deserved it! Everything you have should have been mine!”

“No,” Clover said softly. “You never understood what being alpha truly means. It’s not aboutdeserve. It’s about protect. Serve. Lead.” She looked up at Rook. “Love.”

Rook pressed a kiss to her temple, his tiger finally settling at her words. She was right. Justus had destroyed himself with his own hatred long ago.

“Take him away,” Ren commanded. The portal flared and vanished, taking Justus with it. “The shadow witch escaped, but we’ll find him. For now, see to your mate’s recovery.”

Clover swayed against Rook’s side, her brief surge of strength fading. He swept her into his arms before her knees could buckle.

“I’m fine,” she protested weakly.

“Of course.” He nuzzled her hair, breathing in her scent beneath the lingering traces of shadow magic. “But humor your overprotective tiger anyway.”

Her soft laugh was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. His father’s death would always hurt, but he had something Justus never understood—a pride that was family, and a mate who made him stronger through love rather than power.

“Take me home?” Clover asked, already half-asleep in his arms.

Rook carried her from the chamber as the council dispersed. They had survived Justus’s betrayal. Now it was time to heal, together.

“Absolutely,” he promised, his tiger purring as she curled closer.

FORTY-THREE

Music and laughter drifted through the Katz Med Spa’s grand opening celebration. Clover tucked herself into a quiet corner, taking a moment to appreciate how the enchanted fountains caught the light from the crystal chandeliers. The elegant space buzzed with Mystic Hollow’s elite, but her attention kept drifting to the display of signature candles—her candles—arranged on ornate tables throughout the room.

“You’re hiding.” Poe landed on the marble fountain edge beside her. “Though I can’t blame you. If one more person asks about the ‘magical properties’ of lavender while wiggling their fingers, I might commit violence.”

“You can’t commit violence. You’re decorative tonight, remember?”

“I’m never decorative.” He preened his feathers. “I’m sophisticated ambiance. And speaking of sophistication...” His tone turned sly as Rook approached.

Her tiger looked devastating in his tailored suit, though she noted with affection that his tie had come slightly askew. Probably from tugging at it—he hated formal wear almost as much as she did. His eyes lit up when he spotted her, that specialsmile she now knew was reserved just for her spreading across his face.

“Found you.” He pulled her into his arms, nuzzling her temple. “Hiding from your adoring public?”

“Strategic retreat.” She straightened his tie, letting her fingers linger on his chest. “Though watching Banner try to explain aromatherapy to that dragon shifter was entertaining.”

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