Complete Percival Rackham's Trial Novels & Stories

If this were judged by law, it would at least be a life sentence. Percival glanced at his watch; they had been talking for half an hour now. The coffee in front of him had cooled from scalding hot to lukewarm, no longer steaming. He took a sip of the unsweetened black coffee, the bitterness reaching deep into the root of his tongue, followed by a faint aroma. "Just think of a treatment that won't let Eulalia regain her memory." "I'll do my best." Percival was completely confident in Mr. Brooks's integrity, knowing he wouldn't talk too much, and you get what you pay for. Percival handed over a pre-prepared check.

Wardrick said, sounding apprehensive. "goodbye? What do you mean by that?” Norval asked, perplexed. "Well, I don't think I'll be able to participate in the trial any longer. I just don't think I'll be the proper fit,” Wardic added. Norval got off the bed and sat on its edge. "and who informed you you're not the proper fit. I have seen you battle, you might very literally be the strongest participant in this trial. no one has ever pushed me to the edge like that,” Norval praised him. but his compliments seemed to fall on deaf ears.

The second trial began without music. Rhea preferred it that way. The Trial of Care was held in the lower court of the pack house, where polished ceremonial stone gave way to older floors worn smooth by generations of servants, patrol wolves, kitchen workers, messengers, widows, apprentices, children, and wounded men who had learned to walk again between duty and pride. There were no silver banners here. The council had tried to soften the space with formal tables and pale cloths, but the lower court resisted elegance. Smoke from the kitchen hearths lingered in the beams. Wet cloaks hung near the southern arch. The air smelled of bread, iron, herbs, damp wool, and wolf.

He had remained steadfast in his determined opinion that it was his fault. "I'm serious, Ramsy, I don't..." Higgins wouldn't give in though. "Shut up, runt! He never asked that I should quit attempting to pummel you so..." The inquisitor hindered his plea. Ramsy had then departed their presence in the company of the same betas who had earlier remained by the bars of the section Higgins was being incarcerated against. "You were attempting? All I could hear was a mute man struggling to speak through his deranged..." Higgins chuckled out.

People trust plans they can follow. We closed the meeting with a single order: do not make unsanctioned statements. I gave Emma the one-page template we would use. I walked out with three officers and a map for the day. Outside the room, Percival was on the phone with the clerk. He moved with the quick, efficient rhythm of a man who loved to argue in court and loved even more to control the record. I watched his jaw as he spoke. I felt proud and tired at once. When he hung up he caught my eye. “Filed,” he said. “Clerk took it. We have an expedited calendar slot. If the judge moves, we get the sealed review.”

For a breath— Everything froze. She looked peaceful. Not victorious. Not angry. Not vengeful. Simply… done. Jack stepped beside her—not touching, not claiming—just standing. Present. Solid. Chris stared at them—their quiet unity, the way her shoulders no longer trembled, the way she stood as though she didn’t fear anything he could ever become again. Something inside him broke. The trial lasted hours. Witnesses spoke. Documents were presented. Rita’s involvement was outlined. Darcy’s warehouse explosion is reviewed. Chris’s failure to report, his negligence, his enabling—all laid bare.

He looked back at me. “You fought with no power,” he said quietly. “You protected the broken ones instead of running alone. You refused to break the rules even when it would save you.” I did not say anything. I was too tired and my legs shook badly. He raised his voice so everyone heard. “The trial is over. Raven Blackthorne is worthy.” I blinked and my knees gave out. I hit the ground hard. Lena ran to me first. She caught me before my head hit a rock. “Raven. Stay awake.”

“You’ve done everything to make sure of that. You’ve gathered evidence, you’ve exposed their crimes… you’ve done more than anyone else could.” Her lips quivered as she let out a shaky breath. “Tomorrow is the trial,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Everything I’ve worked for, everything I’ve sacrificed… it all comes down to this. If they walk free, I—” She choked on the words, unable to finish the sentence. “They won’t,” Damian said firmly, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “I won’t let them. And neither will you. You’re stronger than this, Racheal. You’ve already won.”

Ryan remained upright with, hands braced on the table’s edge. I stood a little apart not hidden, not intrusive. Listening. Damon did not look at me as he spoke. His voice was calm. Controlled. “They invoked a full Alpha Trial.” Zeta’s jaw tightened. Ryan exhaled slowly through his nose. “So Bragg got his wish,” Ryan said. “He won’t stop until blood on the floor.” “Not blood,” Zeta corrected. “Submission.” Damon nodded once. “The Trial is not about strength.” I already knew that. Everyone did.