Chapter 36

• Rose's POV
• We didn’t dare stand too close to the courtroom, but we lingered within earshot, tucked near one of the stone columns that flanked the outer hall. My fingers twisted anxiously at the hem of my sleeve while Laura leaned casually against the wall beside me, though I knew her nonchalance was a performance for anyone who might be watching.
• The large oak doors creaked open, and the last girl—her—stepped out. My heart lurched. She was the one Laura had arranged everything with, the girl paid to play her part in our carefully spun story. Laura leaned toward me slightly.