Xander’s voice cracked like a whip across the hall, frantic but still defiant.
“I didn’t kill Elias Vane!” His chest heaved as he spun toward the Council, sweat glistening at his temple. “Vampires killed him! Everyone knows they’re constantly slipping through the border patrols! Estella has twisted the truth, just as she twisted my father’s mind. He isn’t himself anymore! Can’t you see that? She’s seduced him, poisoned him against his own son!”
Nobody spoke, not even the Elders. It was like they’d finally realized Xander was a sinking ship. I lifted my chin high, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me flinch.
“Enough.”
Darius’s voice was quiet, but it carried a weight that made me want to obey him even though I’d made no sound. He’d been surprisingly quiet through all of t
