“Take a deep breath, sweetheart.” Kade chuckled in my ear, but I was not oblivious to the tension in his own emotions.

We were being escorted down to the second floor, where the meeting would take place. The entire floor was heavily guarded, and was much wider and more open than the other floors.

“Do not speak unless you’re called on.” A tan-skinned woman in a pencil skirt warned Kade and I. She walked effortlessly in her heals, swaying her hips like a runway model. “If they wish for you to speak, they’ll call on you. That’s your chance. You can also call as many witnesses as you please, so those you came with are free to speak on your behalf.”

Kade and I had been debriefed as much as possible, but nothing could prepare us for what the outcome might be. Other than Marcus Novak, we hadn’t a clue what the other High Table members might want.

I adjusted the dress I wore and grimaced as the rigid mat