Chapter 152: The Perfect Frame

ZADE Simon's face went through several shades of red as he sputtered in outrage, pointing frantically between me and his bound mate. "This is absolutely ridiculous!" he shouted, his voice cracking with desperation. "You're all being manipulated! The real witch is Lyn -- he's the one who used magic in our territory! Zade is protecting him because of some misguided loyalty!"   I had to admire his quick thinking, trying to redirect the crowd's attention back to the original target. But I'd been counting on exactly this response, and I was ready for it.   "Really, Simon?" I said, my voice dripping with skepticism as I gestured to the evidence scattered around Amaya's prone form. "Then explain how your mate came to possess all of these dark magical artifacts. Explain why she has books on curse--weaving hidden in your home."   The crowd was murmuring among themselves, and I could see doubt beginning to spread through their ranks. But Simon wasn't going down without a fight.   "Lyn is a witch