Page 204 of Maksym
“Yes.”
“But did his anger increase?”
“Yes.”
“What did Prince Nikolay say that caused Sage to lose control?”
Maddie’s gaze dropped for half a second, then lifted. “He called him out for touching another man’s mate.”
The truth spell hummed.
“What happened then?”
“Sage shifted.”
“Into wolf form?”
“Yes.”
“Did Prince Nikolay strike him before Sage shifted?”
“No.”
“Did Prince Nikolay lunge at Sage first?”
“No.”
“What did Sage do after shifting?”
“He lunged at Nikolay.”
“And what did Prince Nikolay do?”
Maddie’s voice became very quiet. “He defended himself.”
There it was. Not grand. Not theatrical. Not an excuse. A fact.
“Could Prince Nikolay have safely retreated and left you on the altar?”
“No.”
“Could he have ignored Sage’s attack?”
“No.”
“Had Sage Lynch remained in control and released you, would Prince Nikolay have needed to use lethal force?”
“No.”
I allowed the silence to do the work no closing argument could yet do.
Then I asked, “What happened after Sage lunged and Prince Nikolay defended himself?”
“The clearing filled with wolves and vampires.” Maddie blinked once, and something like relief crossed her face even now. “Iron Valor. Nikolay’s family. Everyone moved fast. Ironwood was subdued quickly.”
“Were you freed?”
“Yes.”
