Page 187 of Seeking Shadows

Andi briefly drops her eyes before letting out a restrained sigh.“I’m sorry, Mia. I know revisiting this isn’t easy.”

Her fingers slide over the papers in front of her, rearranging them before she continues, adopting a more formal tone.

“According to the report by Dr. Charlotte Spencer, a forensic psychiatrist, you suffered extreme trauma during your time under Nico Riviera’s control. As a self-preservation mechanism, your brain suppressed or distorted specific events. There is clear evidence of dissociation, suggesting that your mind fragmented in response to unbearable distress.”

My stomach churns, but I stay silent as she continues.

“The report also notes that you developed hallucinations as a direct symptom of the trauma. Prolonged isolation, deprivation of basic needs, and relentless psychological stress led to episodes of altered perception of reality. Furthermore, the document confirms that Nico Riviera relied on emotional coercion as his primary method of control. He kept those you loved under constant threat, ensuring your compliance through fear. Your actions weren’t a matter of choice but a result of psychological and emotional conditioning.”

She hesitates slightly before turning to another page. When she speaks again, her voice is softer.

“The report also references… episodes of forced bestiality. Though the document avoids explicit details, it’s clear you were subjected to degrading situations designed to break your will and reinforce your helplessness.”

My throat tightens. A heavy silence fills the room, none of them daring to look directly at me—not that I want them to.

Andi clears her throat. “Dr. Spencer concludes that your years in captivity continue to have a direct impact on your mental and emotional state. Your current behaviors reflect unresolved trauma, and it is strongly recommended that you continue treatment to mitigate long-term effects.”

She finally meets my eyes, her expression softening. “You didn’t have a choice, Mia. None of this is your fault.”

The weight in my chest makes it hard to breathe. I know I’m not to blame. But knowing doesn’t change the burden I carry.

Giulia sighs impatiently. “Great. Can we end this nonsense now? With all due respect, this is a waste of time. If Mia had committed these crimes of her own free will, she’d already be dead. But since we know that wasn’t the case, I don’t see the point of this hearing.”

“Giulia, we’re just following protocol,” Andi replies patiently. “I know you’re not used to how we do things in the Society, but this is procedure. I understand your frustration—I share it—but we need this hearing to protect Mia in the future.”

“Protect her from what?” Giulia raises a brow. “Mia is the wife of one of our own. And if I remember the code correctly, that’s the highest law. No one touches her. Only Zane could sentence her to death. Honestly, I’m more worried about this meeting testing my patience.”

I like her.

Andi exhales, but before she can respond, Livia speaks, crossing her legs elegantly. “If we’re debating the merits of this case, allow me to present the defense.” She gives me a quick, amused glance before leaning back in her chair. “Mia was held captive and subjected to advanced psychological conditioning. We’re talking about manipulation on a level none of us here can fully comprehend.”

Giulia mutters something that sounds like “don’t underestimate my mother,” but Livia ignores her.

“She was used as a weapon without understanding what she was doing. And beyond that, let’s not forget she is protected by her marriage to a member of the Society. If we start setting precedents for internal trials like this, we’ll all have to answer for actions beyond our control.”

Andi takes a deep breath, her posture shifting slightly as if she’s beginning to agree.

Finally, Alana, who has remained silent until now, tilts her head slightly, watching me like I’m something to be studied.

“Don’t you think there should at least be some kind of consequence?”

Livia smiles, slow and razor-sharp. “She spent her whole being tortured and manipulated. I’d say that’s consequence enough, don’t you think?”

I’ve never loved my friend more. Livia looks ready to burn this entire room down if anyone tries to come for me, and I find that oddly comforting.

“I’m so sorry for what you went through, Mia,” Alana says at last, her voice gentle.

Andi exhales, sounding as if her social energy has officially run out.

“There is no precedent for judging someone who was forced to act against their will.” Her tone is neutral, but the weight behind it commands attention. “If we accept that Mia was a victim of circumstances, then there is no basis for punishment.”

Silence falls over the room as the words settle. I stay quiet, trying to appear innocent (which should be easy, considering Iaminnocent).

Finally, Giulia lets out a long sigh. “If there’s no basis for punishment, then we’re done here, right?”

Livia smirks slightly—just for me.“It seems so.”

Alana nods. “Mia is absolved of any formal trial. This discussion is closed.”

---