Page 9 of The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Spite & Spellwork

That felt ominous. “What was the verdict?”

Velouette shifted her stance, folding her arms behind her, then in front again. “His magic will be bound, and he will be extradited back to Faerie to live out his days in servitude.”

“Faex.”

“You did everything you could—more than most in your position, even. We cannot undo the pain Osian Goff felt and caused in return, but we can prevent another from reliving his story.”

Avery wondered if she’d said that very phrase in her summation. “Not if fey like Justice Norton have anything to say about it.”

“People do idiotic things when they’re afraid. It is admirably constant.” Velouette smirked at her joke before her features softened. “I’ve found none are more terrified of the prospect of death than those who were never meant to face it.”

“Are you not afraid?”

Velouette’s eyes averted back to the courtroom doors. “In my time as a Mercy, I’ve seen far worse things than the great unknown happen within these walls.”

“Do they all come out of his mouth?”

It startled a laugh out of her, a soft musical sound that played on the air like a delicate wind chime. “He can be a bit overzealous in his dedication to the letter of the law, but that’s where I come in. Justice without mercy is cruelty; mercy without justice is dissolution.”

Avery’s brows knitted together. “Are you honestly advocating for compassion by quoting Thomas Aquinas?”

“Why not?”

“I could name a few reasons, but his stance on demonology comes to mind.”

Velouette waved her hand as if dismissing an ill-timed belch on his behalf. “We do what we can with the tools we have. All that remains is to try to mitigate the harm we inevitably cause.”

“Didn’t he inspire the Malleus Maleficarum?”8

A coy smile spread across Velouette’s face as her voice pitched up in inflection. “Allegedly.”

Avery closed an imaginary folder with dramatic flair. “Well, if the only evidence against Thomas Aquinas is alleged, Mercy, this case is dismissed. Your client is free!”

Velouette lightly bapped Avery’s shoulder and laughed. “But really, think what he might have done with the proper perspective about the magically inclined?”

There was something about her optimism that made Avery’s chest ache. A sort of homesick pang, despite never having a home to be sick for. It reminded her of spiced honey and coffee and cardamom. “Do you think he’ll be all right?

“Well, he’s been dead since the thirteenth century, but I have faith he’ll pull through.”

Avery chuffed. “I meant Osian.”

Velouette gave a knowing “mmm” and tucked her papers under her arm. “I don’t know how to speculate on the quality of life of someone who has already given up. Do I believe he is worse off? Of course, he will no longer be able to be with his grandson and the life his only family still has left. Will he be able to see that?” She shrugged. “I cannot say.” She appraised Avery. “You’re more concerned with his welfare than I’ve ever seen a detective. Are you worried?”

“Worry is based in uncertainty. My caution is based in experience.”

Velouette’s lips fell into a sympathetic half smile that didn’t fit with her otherwise perfectly symmetrical face. “Given your history with our justice system, I can hardly blame you.” She took a conspiratorial step toward Avery. “Yet, you remain a part of it?”

“They gave me little choice.” And thanks to Justice Norton, Avery’s deal with the council would now be widely known among the general public as well as in the courts.

“And what about before your parole?”

“You cannot change a system by standing outside and spitting.”

Velouette’s smile broadened to a full grin, and even her teeth glimmered when they caught the light. “You know… I have an early lunch thing soon, but… Can I interest you in a cup of tea?”

Avery longed for tea. The café she lived above had always served a decent cup, but with her favorite waitress taking a leave of absence, it hadn’t been the same. “Is it any good?”

“Absolutely wretched.”