The grand doors to the City Hall loomed behind them as the uproar of voices quieted slightly. Suddenly, Hector rose from his seat, his calm but firm voice cutting through the noise. "May I speak?"
Elder Luke gestured for silence, and the hall quieted as Hector stepped forward. "I've known Alina since she came to live with us," he began, his gaze steady as it swept across the room.
"She is a good girl—kind, thoughtful, and determined to do what's right. Since she has been with us, I've watched her carefully. I have no doubt in my mind that, given the right guidance and support, she will never fall to the darkness that you all fear."
For a moment, it seemed his words had an effect. Some of the Elders murmured in agreement, but Elder Dike wasn't done.
