“If it is you then I don’t hurt or burn with desire to release myself into a woman.” Rage filled her features. “Make sure this mess is fixed. Do your duty by me.”

“Always,” he snarled.

Alluwn stormed out of the room and slammed the massive door closed behind her.

Coto released Brenda to take a step closer to Hyvin Berr but then halted. He watched the other man with concern.

“It is not your fault she is like that.”

The Zorn leader nodded slowly. “I’m aware. What are your suggestions?”

“I don’t know what to do either, Father. I am failing you.” Hyvin Berrr walked forward to put his large hand on Coto’s shoulder. “You could never fail me. I am always proud of you and remember you saved Rever’s life today.

They will arrive soon and when they do, we will deal with this together.” Coto reached up, his hand gripping the other man’s shoulder. “Together we stand.”

“Together we stand.” Hyvin Berrr repeated.

Both men released each other when the doors opened again and in unison they turned to face whoever walked in. Brenda twisted around to look too and felt instant dread when Volder and five males dressed in the same uniforms stormed into the room.

Volder’s gaze sought out Brenda immediately, clear fury poured from his dark eyes all directed at her. He snarled, coming at Brenda fast and with ferocity.

Hyvin Berrr moved to step between Brenda and the advancing Volder. “Hold,” he ordered.

Volder stopped to bow his head. “Hyvin Berrr.”

“Your promised bound has been retrieved.” Hyvin Berrr sounded irritated. “The others will arrive any time.”

Volder’s head snapped up and his dark stare locked on Hyvin Berrr. “I demand a challenge.”

“Denied.”

Shock gripped Volder’s features. “I know he is your son but he stole my woman.”

“She is not yours yet. You have not bound to her.”

“He emptied his seed in her, did he not? She could be with his offspring now that he stole her from me.” Volder was snarling. “It is a great insult to my pride if I have to raise his blood as my own.”

Hyvin Berrr snarled back. “Do you dare say raising a blood offspring of mine would be less than an honor for you?”

Whatever answer Volder was going to say was lost as the chamber doors opened again to allow a lot of Zorn men to walk into the room. There had to be fifty of them who filed silently in and the number of them stunned Brenda. They stood by the walls, surrounding Brenda and the men already present. A group of red-clad Zorn men came in last as they led a heavily chained Rever in, each of the half dozen red-uniformed men held the leads of his chains that acted as leashes.

Brenda blinked back tears as she met Rever’s gaze after taking note of his wet hair that let her know they’d had him shower. He was almost naked and only covered in loose black shorts. They had chained him by all four limbs and there a thick metal collar locked around his throat. She saw rage burn in Rever’s eyes as they stared at each other but she knew it wasn’t directed at her. He looked away from Brenda finally to stare at his father.

“I demand to challenge Volder for my woman.”

Volder snarled. “Your woman? She is mine! I accept your challenge to the death.”

“Enough!” Hyvin Berrr roared the word. “A challenge is denied. We will do this according to the laws. That is my final word. We follow the law.” A Zorn man stepped forward. “May I lead the judgment, Hyvin Berrr?” Nodding, Hyvin Berrr stepped to the center of the room. “You have the floor, Zalk.”

Zalk looked about seventy years old and was older than any of the other males within sight. White streaked his black hair, making him appear striking with the two-toned long mane. He moved to stand next to the Zorn leader.

“I am judge. Bring forth the case. I am willing to listen and give my verdict.” The doors opened again and a man walked in who Brenda turned to study, recognizing Rever’s brother instantly from the strong family resemblance. As he marched forward she took note of the border guard uniform he wore. He looked a few years younger than Rever when he got close enough to get a better look at. Electric blue eyes identical to Rever’s met hers for just a second before he jerked his gaze away to his father, bowing his head as he stepped next to Coto.

“I apologize for my lateness but I was just informed of the situation.” Zalk nodded. “It is good to see you, Vhon.”

Coto frowned, shooting a glare at the man next to him. “What are you doing here?” he whispered.

“Saving Rever’s ass,” Vhon whispered back.

“Don’t,” Coto warned. “Be silent.”

“You.” Vhon smiled. “I know what I am doing.”

Coto groaned softly, a look of distaste on his features.

“Bring forth the dispute,” Zalk said loudly.

Rever didn’t resist when the guards brought him to the center of the room. He glanced at Brenda again as they led him past her. She took a step in his direction but Coto gripped her arm and jerked her back. Rever turned his head and his gaze remained on her while he was led to stand next to his father.

“Release him,” Hyvin Berrr ordered the guards. “He will behave in my chambers.”

“What is going on?” Brenda whispered. “Who are all of these men?” Coto inched closer, almost touching her arm. “They are judges from the districts here to witness what happens. It is our way.” He kept his voice soft. “They represent all of Zorn and are here to make sure the laws are followed. Zalk is the top judge of all judges and he is also Hyvin Berrr’s council.”

“I will hear the dispute,” Zalk said loudly again when Volder stepped forward.

Brenda noticed Rever was still chained but his guards released the lines so he walked, dragging the chains behind him. Only feet separated Rever from Volder when they each faced the judge. Both men studied each other. Even from ten feet away Brenda could feel to animosity between both Zorn males.

“Look at me,” Zalk snapped.

Both men complied and Brenda’s heart pounded with fear for Rever. What if they did sentence him to some work camp? How bad were they? They didn’t sound as though they would be fun and Zorn warriors are tough guys, almost brutal at times. She was sure something titled a work camp would be difficult.