Academy Of Beasts XXIX: Shifter Romance

By Becca Fanning

The verdict echoed through the hushed courtroom.
Those gathered exploded in accusations and anger, casting blame and doubt in a wide swathe.
The judge looked on stoically, as if she didn't just deliver the fate of the one accused of killing her loved one.
Would I ever have that courage, that iron-bound service to duty? I didn't see how I could, and I hoped I'd never have to. But I knew the reverberations of what happened today in this courtroom would be felt for a long time to come. Would the Dragon Kingdom ever be the same again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gizmo Media
• Release date: Jan 7, 2023

Book preview

Chapter 1

The gavel slamming down made me jump, forcing my attention back to the trial. I’d zoned out for some time, so I didn’t know what was said before the word Guilty, was thrown out.

The chorused murmurs and gasps swirled around the room, and the various emotions flooded me. There was a mixture of tension, anger, satisfaction, and uncertainty. All of which almost suffocated me. I took a deep breath and glanced at Dracus through my lashes. He was staring at Anton with deadly intent, and there was a wave of hatred radiating from him. If given the chance, I think he’d kill Anton. It was hard to blame him. I wasn’t a violent person by nature, but I suppose I’d want to see the blood of the slayers who killed my parents spilled for my viewing pleasure.

My eyes swiveled around the courtroom, fully taking it in for the first time. I’d been so wound up in a ball of tension before, I’d barely noticed the place. Like almost everything in the shifter world, it was a mixture of modern and old-world. While the room was contemporary with its hardwood floors and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, the officials all wore robes. The queen sat on a throne, wearing an eye-catching purple robe and a crown. There was something you didn’t see in court every day―a queen overseeing a trial. She was poised, her expression schooled despite the eruption of responses from the room.

I gazed at her with admiration. Never in a million years would I have enough guts to head the trial of someone accused of killing my loved one. I’d have a meltdown in front of everyone. Probably more than one meltdown. Yet, Alice never once cracked. I learned that although she oversaw the trial, it wasn’t entirely up to her to make a judgement. There would be a deliberation between her and the top court officials.

The gavel slammed down again. Order, came the command from the judge. He glanced at the queen, and she nodded. No one could see it, but she was torn to shreds on the inside. I could feel it. The pain coming from her pierced my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I swallowed the ball of emotion rising in my throat.

Anton Fenrick, you are sentenced to death for the murder of King Merek St. Clair.

My brows shot up. What happened to the queen and the other officials deliberating? Confused, I glanced at the faces of all the officials. Some were pleased, and some were unreadable.

This is an outrage! One of the spectators jumped up and shouted. I assumed it was Anton’s family member because the man resembled him.

He confessed to the murder, you fool! Another shouted.

Apparently, I missed a lot when I zoned out. I’d been aware of Anton talking on the stand, but I hadn’t heard a word. My mind had strayed back to two nights ago. I was back in the palace’s dungeon, face to face with Demetrius. His words still resounded in my head. I need you to help me clear my name. The nerve of the man.

How dare he try to manipulate me? Why would he think it would work? Irritation coursed through my veins. Because I was an easy target, perhaps? I hated the thought of being the weak link that a murderer thought they could use to get off. My huff of indignations caught Dracus’s attention. From my periphery, I saw him staring at me.

I didn’t dare look back at him. If I did, I was afraid he’d see my guilt. My entire conversation with Demetrius was still a secret. I just couldn’t bring myself to tell him I’d paid the dungeon a visit and actually stood and listened to Demetrius. I never should have given him the time of day, and that is exactly what Dracus would tell me.

Are you alright, Fiona?

I chanced a glance at him. A fleeting one. Then I muttered, I’m fine. I should be asking how you’re doing, I whispered back. It was his father’s alleged killer on trial, and from what I heard, the man confessed to committing the crime. I really looked at Anton then. He looked just as haggard as Demetrius had appeared. His hands and feet were bound with chains. I was told that the chains were laced with magic to hinder the shifter from taking on his dragon form and potentially flying the coop. Literally. Although, I didn’t see him getting very far if he tried. There were guards stationed at every exit and entrance of the courtroom. I imagined there were plenty more outside too. The man probably wouldn’t even survive an escape attempt.

I’m hanging in there. The bastard confessed.

Yeah. I heard. I wished I’d been paying attention to hear the details.

Order, the judge said again. Anton confessed to the murder. Are you willing to address why you committed such a heinous crime against your own king? Along with all the other court officials, the judge threw daggers at Anton with their narrowed eyes. Still, Alice remained a picture of serenity. She was good to remain so calm.

Anton’s representative whispered something in his ear. More than likely, the man was advising him against saying anything further. He shook his head and stood up. With bated breath―I imagined everyone was holding their breaths―I leaned forward to hear what he had to say.

His gruff voice boomed in the silent room. The emotionless quality of his tone made me shiver. I killed King Merek because he was a threat to our plans.

Our? Alice asked. Yours and whose, exactly?

Anton was quiet for a few beats, creating an air of suspense. Some people leaned closer. Dante and the slayers.

Shocked gasps resounded. Honestly, I didn’t know why anyone was surprised. Clearly, Anton had been in league with the slayers.

Anton was freakishly calm. His demeanor gave me a bad vibe. For someone who had been found guilty