Chapter 203
LYRIC
Shocked gasps and whispers rippled through the crowd.
The guards started moving, carrying in big ballot boxes.
I could only watch in awe. Jaris planned all this for me?
The place got noisy as people discussed the issue. I excused myself from the stage, running to a quiet hallway where I wept more.
How did I deserve this?
Just yesterday, I’d been worried sick that there might never be a solution for me. And today, he had gone the extra mile for me. The jerk was ready to give up his crown for my sake.
What the hell?
I heard approaching footsteps and knew it was him.
I faced him, my vision blurred, offering a quivering smile.
“You jerk.” I hit him lightly in the chest. “Why would you plan all of these and not even tell me? I didn’t- I didn’t even say a word.”
He cocked a brow at me. “Well, I didn’t mention anything about you giving a speech, did I? I only asked if you were strong enough to stand before the Council.”
I laughed then hugged him, burying my tear–soaked face in the dip of his shoulder.
“Thank you. So so much. I don’t deserve it.”
He spanked my ass. “Say that again and I’ll have you locked up. You’re special and deserve every bit of it.” He pulled my hair back so he could look into my face. “I promised you I wouldn’t let anyone hurt you. And no matter what the result turns out to be, I still won’t let you get hurt, Lyric. They’ll have to come through me first.”
I smiled through the tears that hadn’t stopped flowing. I cupped his cheeks, giving him a deep kiss.
“I love you, Jaris Dreadmoor. Today, tomorrow, and forever.” I’d never said anything with more conviction in my life.
I knew from the bottom of my heart that it was true. There was not a single soul I could ever love more than the man in front of me.
His hand wrapped possessively around my waist.
“I love you too, Lyric. More than you think.”
Hugging him again, I rested my head on his shoulder. This time, I caught Marta staring at us from the start of the hallway.
Not stare. Glare.
She looked vicious in her long red dress, hands or her waist, mouth twisted in fury. She looked like she could murder someone.
Although the speech my friends and acquaintances had given seemed to have some effect on the crowd, I was still damn scared on what the result would
The voting took some hours as more people came from outside to cast theirs when they heard what was happening. When each member voted, a silver
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09:17 Sun, 8 Jun GW
Chapter 203
pin was pierced into their thumb to mark them for the day and prevent them from returning to cast another vote.
I was so nervous I couldn’t eat despite how hungry I was. Not even when Jaris offered me something I was craving and tried to force me to eat it.
When the vote finally ended and it was time for the results, my anxiety got even higher than I thought possible.
Jace was with me and held my hand as we walked to the stage where Jaris was already discussing with the Elders.
“You got this, Ly. Everything will be fine,” my best friend said reassuringly.
But it did little to calm my nerves.
“A–Are you sure? I mean, what if the people weren’t that moved and still went ahead to vote against it? Does that mean I’ll be handed to the Executioners?”
“If you don’t stop saying shit right now, I might actually spank you.” For effect, he hit me lightly on the shoulder.
He finally let go of my hand. I nervously rubbed them together, reciting a silent prayer on my lips.
Chairman Lyon did the announcement.
.91%
“We want to thank everyone of you for voting. This shows how much you value the matters of our community. The result will be called now, and if your opinion didn’t win, please note that it was well received and appreciated. Over here, we work with the highest vote.”
He looked down at a sheet of a paper.
“For those in support of maintaining the law concerning Siphons, we have a hundred and fifty–nine votes.”
I’d stopped breathing, waiting for the second shoe to drop.
“For those in support of repealing the law…” he paused for effect, staring down at the paper. “We have four hundred and thirty–three votes!”
I didn’t know which was faster–the explosion of noise from the crowd or my heart spiraling down from the maximum elevation.
My heart kicked against my ribcage as I stood there in silence for sometime, staring wide–eyed at the crowd and wondering if this was a dream.
“Yes! Yes!” Jace screamed beside me.
He came to stand in front of me and shook me roughly. “I fucking fold you! I fucking told you!”
Oh, gods. It happened.
It. Happened.
吊
AD
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