The room was electric following Evelise's declaration. The Mayor, though momentarily taken aback by her steel, quickly recovered, his smile widening.
"A partnership, is it?" the Mayor boomed, clearly enjoying the theatrical display of power. "I like your spirit, Evelise. Very well. Let us call this a Test of Vows. You prove your healing capability to the council— a high-profile cure, say, something terminal and the citizenship papers are signed. The marriage is then merely the final seal on the agreement."
The official who had called the humanimals "mongrels" leaned forward, his voice dripping with condescension.
"And what if you fail, little rabbit? What happens when your 'miracle' turns out to be nothing but herbal folk medicine?"
Evelise turned her attention to him, her gaze cool and unwavering.
