The voice, echoing from the creature on the left, filled the area where they were, and Aren looked at them with indifferent eyes.
"The court will put the defendant on trial now."
The guards stayed behind while Aren ascended the floating steps alone, moving with unwavering determination upward. At the top, before a door he had not noticed earlier, two guards in white helmets and uniforms stood watch.
One of them scanned a card on the door, which opened with a sound, and stepped aside for him to pass. With his calm expression unbroken, Aren entered through the doorway and found himself in the courtroom.
Light filtered through stained glass windows, breaking into fragments as it struck the marble pillars, illuminating the ancient script carved into their surfaces. Across the chamber, elevated high above, stood nine thrones—at the center the king's, flanked by the heads of the eight elite families.
I suppose my case isn't important enough to warrant their presence, Aren smirked inwardly, wondering if anyone here could grasp the absurdity of this grand display.
Beneath the seats of the king and nobles was the chair of the presiding judge. At that moment, the court usher's voice rang out:
"All rise. Court is now in session, presided over by Judge Serena Winter."
When Serena Winter entered with her associate judges, everyone stood to their feet. Serena Winter's blonde hair was tied back, and golden embroidery at the cuffs and collar emphasized her authority on her white robe, which resembled that of a cleric.
As she took her seat, her pale gray eyes pierced the room with an icy sharpness.
The court's usher announced that everyone may take their seats, and the audience settled once more.
"Case number 2025-CR-456. The Mohen Prosecutor's Office versus the defendant, Aren Rayne, charged with murder."
After the announcement, Judge Serena Winter spoke in a melodious voice that resonated through the chamber:
"For the record, the parties shall identify themselves."
"Prosecutor Chloe Smith."
"Defense counsel for the accused, Ryan Eckart."
As the parties introduced themselves, the public spectators shifted, with bated breath, full of curiosity and anticipation. Some journalists already typed with rapid keystrokes on laptops, eager to publish their stories.
"The defendant, Aren Rayne, committed the brutal murder of his father, Redian Rayne, and three companions present at the Rayne estate that night—Hugo Craik, Melissa Odel, and Ryan Fewer. The investigation has revealed overwhelming evidence of these crimes," Prosecutor Chloe Smith declared.
She paused with measured control, emphasizing each word, as Judge Serena Winter and the audience looked on.
"Not only that, but the testimony of Madam Eli Bryne—rescued from the scene by the Avalon Wardens—confirms this account."
At that, Aren chuckled, silencing the chamber. Chloe tucked a lock of her short brown hair behind her ear and met his gaze with disgust. Aren tilted his head, lips curling as if to say, How much further can you stretch this nonsense?
"Your Honor, I call the witness," Chloe requested. Serena Winter inclined her head in assent.
A striking woman entered, dressed eye-catchingly. Her black fur coat swept as her heels clicked across the floor. At the stand, she adjusted the wide-brimmed hat atop her short, frizzy orange hair and toyed with the pearl necklace at her throat.
"Witness Eli Bryne," Serena Winter intoned, making the woman flinch. "Swear before the Sacred Court."
Nervous and trembling, Eli lifted her right hand. "I swear to the Holy Kingdom chosen by God that I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in this Sacred Court."
"What exactly did you witness that night? And what was your relationship with Redian Rayne?" Serena's voice was calm, soothing, coaxing the woman to speak.
"Redian and I had been friends since our academy days. But after his first child was born, we saw each other less often. The child was sick and required care."
"What kind of illness?" Serena pressed, her eyes sharp.
"Redian always wanted to appear strong, so he never told us. Aren did attend social gatherings at times, but only when he was well enough. We thought he was improving. But when Aren disappeared from public life for over a year, we suspected something was wrong."
"Continue."
"That's why my friends and I wanted to visit Redian, to see if we could help… But then—then—"
Her voice broke into sobs. Chloe offered her a handkerchief, which Eli accepted with whispered thanks, dabbing her eyes. Aren watched the performance in silence.
The spectators murmured, glaring at Aren with revulsion while gazing sympathetically at Eli. Reporters' fingers clattered against keyboards, eager not to miss a moment.
"As you can see, Your Honor," Chloe turned toward Serena, after glancing briefly at Aren, "the witness's testimony, along with the evidence, leaves no doubt that the crime was committed. I believe there is no further need for words."
Aren's shoulders shook before laughter burst out of him, echoing across the chamber. Silence fell instantly.
"Defendant, be silent!" Judge Serena Winter's cold eyes bore into him. Still chuckling, Aren wiped tears of laughter from his cheeks.
"Ah, how utterly ridiculous!"
"Your Honor," Chloe interjected sharply, "the defendant's mockery even at this moment proves not only his guilt, but that his very character poses a threat to humanity."
"Ah, yes, yes," Aren replied with a sardonic smile, staring into Chloe's eyes. "But isn't it far more terrifying that you all applaud this theater right before your eyes? Prosecutor, do you truly believe handing your witness a handkerchief counts as proof of truth?"
His words hung in the air, the audience and reporters torn between the accused's scorn and the witness's helplessness.
Judge Serena Winter drew a steady breath, her gaze like a blade fixed on Aren.
"The defendant's demeanor and words are irrelevant before the clarity of the evidence. The testimony and material facts are indisputable."
Chloe nodded faintly, her smug eyes locking on Aren before turning back to support the judge's words. The chamber buzzed with murmurs once more until Serena Winter's voice cut through to restore order: