Page 126 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

The Bearer of Death, the male standing between them and the OC’s judgment, glanced at Dom, who nodded his approval. Maddy, though, was pale and stunned by his question. “What are they?” asked Michael.

His expression neutral, the OC said, “She has the power to extinct and give life.”

The rumblings in the audience grew to a roar.

“Did you give her these powers?” asked Michael.

“No.”

“Do you know where she got them?”

“No.”

Michael clasped his hands behind his back. “So Maddy is truly not a typical Scourge. In fact, she is a unique creature in OneWorld.”

“She is a rare being whom I will keep a close eye on,” said the OC.

Michael’s cat-lapping-milk grin said he was happy with the direction of the proceedings. He called Indigo to testify. A good idea since she was a favorite of the OneCreator’s. A little brown-nosing never hurt.

Indigo toodled a wave at the OC as she approached his throne. “Hey, big guy. Nice to see ya.”

He grinned, looking instantly happy, adding for the audience’s benefit, “I will announce to all that I find favor with this Aeternal witch. She will in no way, however, sway my judgment.”

“Not fair.” Indigo turned toward Michael. “Okay, Bright Boy. Ask me about the sitch. I’m itching to tell everything I know. And,” she glanced at the OC, “it’s a hell of a lot. Very sway-worthy.”

“I’m sure,” said the OC.

“I’m digging the pants. New, big guy?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Well, on you they work.”

Tetrys jacked to his feet. “Can we get on with this?”

The asshole prosecutor lost points with the OC for that question.

Michael looked pleased, his lips curling. “The human Madeline had traits suggesting she was a Blood Leech.” He paused. “I have, however, shown she is not nor has ever been a Scourge. Tell us about the idea you proposed to curb her desire for blood.”

“No problemo. On Scath—that’s my realm—it is well-known that mated vampires don’t get the bludfrenzy as frequently as the general pop. The whole mate-to-mate thing tampers the craving.”

“So you proposed that Dom let Madeline drink from him?” asked Michael.

“I did. I thought, ‘Hey, Indigo, what works for vamps might work for Maddy.’ And it did.” She batted her lashes at the OC. “So kinda all my fault.” She waved her finger at him. “Just don’t get any crazy idea to punish me.”

“I wouldn’t think of it.”

Michael excused her.

“Anytime, Bright Boy. Ta-ta, big guy.”

Tetrys rose from his place behind the prosecution’s table, gripping the lapels of a long black robe. “Hold on, witch. Did you make Dom and Madeline do as you suggested? Did you cast a spell to force them?”

Indigo tapped a finger on her lips. “I could have. I can be a bit forgetful.”

“Did you?”

“Could have. I get brain farts. Once, I found my bra in the fridge.” She tucked a finger in the neck of her tee. With a glance down, she said, “Uh-oh. See?” She flicked a wrist. “Better.”

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