BXBX NOVEL Chapter 91: The Trial
Ezra remained stoic, his expression unreadable. He said nothing, his silence a clear refusal. He wouldn't betray his family, not for anything.
Olivia and Gen entered the courtroom and took their seats on one side, their faces a mixture of concern and determination. They gave Ezra a reassuring nod, taking in the small scattering of vampires in the room. Most of them seemed to be peacekeepers. Across the room, Macmillan entered with Sarah, taking their places on the opposite side.
Macmillan's eyes gleamed with a mixture of satisfaction and malice. He crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair, relaxed.
A hush fell over the room as the Arbiter entered. It was a very beautiful lady, her hair glowing in different colors, shifting like the famous vampire chameleon.
The atmosphere shifted, the air growing heavy with the weight of her presence. She was a woman of formidable stature, her Aura devoid of emotion but almost tangible in its intensity. It pressed down on everyone present, a reminder of her authority. She climbed the dais with measured steps and sat on the throne, her gaze sweeping over the assembled vampires.
"The court is now in session," she announced, her voice resonating with power. Her eyes fell on Target who took a gulp. "Begin."
Target stepped forward, presenting the charges with a flourish. "Ezra Matten is accused of breaking the Law of Secrecy," he declared. "We have irrefutable evidence."
The Arbiter waved and the evidence was presented, a video playing on the large screen. It showed Ezra stepping out of an elevator without his sunglasses, his red vampire eyes visible. The security guard's confusion and subsequent reaction were clear. Ezra watched the footage impassively, his mind already formulating his defense.
"We have the witness here with us." Target announced and Ezra blinked in surprise. His eyes turned to the crowd and picked out Olivia and Gen. They'd failed. Fuck. This complicates things.
"Bring him in." The Arbiter waved in apathy.
The witness, Samuel, was brought in, his eyes wide with fear as he faced the room full of vampires. The Arbiter's gaze locked onto him, her Aura surging forward and enveloping him in a powerful grip. "Tell us what you saw," she commanded.
Her Aura was laced in a surprisingly complex array of emotions carefully designed to place the target completely under her control and it had been almost instant. Samuel's eyes glazed over as he fell under her hypnotic influence. "I saw him," he said in a monotone voice. "His eyes were red. I was confused and scared. Medical modifications to the human genome is banned.
Anyone who could boldly flout that law had to be dangerous. But he didn't do anything to me. He put on sunglasses and left."
The Arbiter's Aura continued to hold him as she considered his words. "Very well. She nodded and added, "You will forget this encounter."
Samuel nodded slowly, his expression blank. He was led out of the room, his memory of the event wiped clean. Ezra could see Olivia and Gen exchanging glances, recognizing the sheer power of the Arbiter's Aura. She made Olivia look like an amateur posing as a pro.
The Arbiter turned her gaze to Ezra, her expression neutral. "The evidence is damning," she said. "Present your defense."
Ezra stood, his posture calm and composed. We can still salvage this. "This footage is not genuine," he began. "The supposed breach of the Law of Secrecy occurred during the day. I was inside with my wives throughout that day. There is no way that could've been me.
Furthermore, we have additional footage of the person in this video strolling freely under the sun and without displaying any signs of weakness. An ability which I do not possess."
He gestured to Olivia, who came forward with a USB stick. The Arbiter gestured and the new footage was played. It showed a figure resembling Ezra walking casually in broad daylight, entering a café. The sunlight fell directly on the person, who showed no signs of discomfort or fatigue, something that would be impossible for a vampire. Ezra knew it was him but the others didn't know.
He could tell even Gen and Olivia were confused.
"I believe that this should be sufficient evidence that this is a crime against me. I think we shouldn't be so quick to condemn an innocent man. Instead, we should ask the capable officer Target where he got the footage."
Target eyed Ezra in amusement. "We all know that some vampires are capable of walking under sunlight and can sometimes temporarily grant this ability to others. Your defence is weak Ezra Matten. It has no leg to stand on. Your honour." Target turned to the Arbiter. "There is only one clear way to uphold the laws of our society."
"Do not presume to tell me what to do." The Arbiter's voice was cold, her eyes narrowing slightly as she stared at Target. Target bowed low, avoiding her gaze. The room was silent as everyone awaited her judgment.
After a long pause, the Arbiter spoke. "The breach of Secrecy is a grave offense," she said. "Given the seriousness of the charge and the evidence presented, I will adjourn this court for a day to review all the evidence thoroughly. We must ensure that justice is served and that no miscarriage of justice occurs."
Her words hung in the air as she rose from the throne, her presence still pressing down on the room like a physical weight. With quick strides, she left the room as quickly as she appeared. The court was dismissed, and the tension began to ease slightly as people started to leave.
Back in his cell, Ezra closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The battle was only beginning, and he was ready to face whatever came next. The next twenty-four hours would be crucial, and every second counted. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of calm.
I've done my best from in here. The rest is up to you, Olivia, Genesis.