Page 71 of Storm Caller

Everyone turns silent, contemplating Danica’s testimony.

“Bring in the doctor,” Chancellor Orsen says. “I’d like to speak with her again.”

Dr. Eze returns, and she confirms everything Danica claimed.

Once that’s done, the sky has grown dark, and the clouds are still gathering. A storm is imminent, and it’s obvious that fact is also on Sol’s mind. I watch her itch a spot on her wrist before she snatches her hands apart. It makes me feel a little less alone.

“I think I have all the information I need to make a decision,” she announces. “I must excuse myself due to the storm.”

Both Marks and Orsen share a glance across the table. I recall what Sol said about their desire to whittle her out of the city’s leadership and her position of power. She catches their exchange, her shoulders tensing.

“Very well,” Chancellor Marks says. “I agree. I think we’ve heard enough.”

Chancellor Orsen nods. “Please return her to her cell while she awaits our judgment.”

Lieutenant Dire and his partner immediately step away from the wall. Trinity has stopped crying, even though she’s still sniffling.

The Extinguishers approach and take me by the arms, and I look over at my parents.

“Poet,” my mother sobs while my dad draws her against him. It’s not affectionate per se, but it does seem like he’s trying to comfort her.

I’m marched out of the room, feeling every eye on my back.

I haven’t really allowed myself to indulge in pity since the moment they captured me in the market square. I’ve tried to remain strong and have faith in this plan. People are counting on me. Navy. Beckett. And most importantly, Rook.

But as the doors close behind me, tears burn hotly in my eyes, and I can’t help but feel a little sorry for myself.

After all, I might not live to see another sunrise.

24

I spend the night curled up on the small, hard bed with my knees tucked under my chin. I don’t cry. I don’t speak. I just hope. Did we fool anyone? Did we convince them? I say “we,” but I really mean “they,” because I wasn’t given the opportunity to defend myself.

Sleep never comes. My thoughts drift as I think about my fate, but also my parents and Rook, hoping he’s okay. I think about my friends—Journey and Domino. I’m still worried about what happened to Edward that night.

I’m staring up at the ceiling, imagining all the worst possible outcomes, when I hear sharp footsteps.

As they draw closer, I sit up. I’m stiff, and my body aches from clenching every muscle. This must be it. My judgment. My salvation. Or my execution?

With my hands fisted in the blankets, I wait perfectly still until three people stand before my cage.

General Sol with one of her Circle Guards and Major Birch.

My tongue has become too thick to move. I study the general’s face for some sign or clue, but she gives nothing away.

“The Shield has discussed your case,” she says, then pauses.

I clutch the edge of the bed, my entire body wound tight.

“And you have been cleared of all charges. You’re free to leave your cell and return to your studies at Amery.”

At first, I have trouble processing her words. Did I hear her right?

“I can go?” I whisper, and she nods.

“Thanks to the testimonies from Dr. Eze, Lieutenant Crawford, and Lieutenant Stephens, you have been cleared of the accusations leveled by Recruit Robins. She was mistaken in what she saw. Your blood tests have also cleared you, and there is no reason to keep you here any longer.”

It takes me another moment to fully absorb what she’s saying. We did it? They did it. When Trinity stood in that ballroom and accused me in front of everyone, I thought that was it. I was sure my life was over for good.