Once the chief judge announced the recess, the judges left the chamber first, followed by the court officials carrying the evidence. Guards moved toward the doors to keep the nobles from crowding Brandon, but Alexandra remained where she was, watching him from across the chamber.
Brandon noticed her.
For several seconds, neither of them moved.
Then Alexandra slowly walked toward him. She stopped a few feet away, her eyes fixed on his face as though she still could not believe he was standing in front of her.
"Brandon," she whispered.
He took a step toward her.
"Mother."
Alexandra's composure finally broke. She closed the remaining distance and pulled him into her arms. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly as she pressed her face against his shoulder.
"My alpha king," she whispered. "You're alive."
"Darius!
"I'm here my high Luna," Darius said quietly.
