บท 48: The Trial

The journey to the castle was arduous for the controller. The cramped confines of the carriage, the oppressive presence of her dead satooris beside her, and the constant jostling over rough terrain left her exhausted and filled with a growing sense of dread. She knew what awaited her—a trial that would likely end in her death.

Inside the castle, the controller was dragged from the carriage and led to the dungeons. The soldiers were rough, their contempt evident as they shackled her to the wall. Gerard and Dominic saw to it that the controller was shackled properly.

Dominic glanced at the controller with a disdain smile on his face, "At long last, you have been caught. How the mighty had fallen!" Dominic mocked.

Gerard frowned and spoke to Dominic, "Stop being an immature brat, let her rest in the dungeon," Gerard scolded Dominic.

The controller curled her lips in disgust, "Foolish vampire! I didn't ask you to speak for me, you blood-sucking creatures ruined my life. I rather die than have a vampire defend me," the woman spoke.

Dominic let out a laugh, "Look at the person you are trying to defend, look at how she snubbed you. You are trying to defend a woman who is mentally unstable!" Dominic sneered.

Gerard refused to take Dominic's words to heart but turned to the soldiers, "Very well then, her trial begins at dawn," Gerard said, addressing the gathered soldiers. "Make sure she does not escape."

The soldiers bowed as the duo left the place with Dominic still laughing at the snobby remarks the controller gave to Gerard.

As the first light of dawn broke, the castle courtyard filled with villagers and nobles alike, all eager to witness the trial. The air was thick with anticipation as Bowen took his place at the head of the makeshift court. The controller, shackled and guarded, was brought before him.

"Today, we stand to bring justice," Bowen began, his voice resonating through the courtyard. "This woman stands accused of consorting with demons, of unleashing a satooris upon our land, and of causing the death of innocent people. She will answer for her crimes."

The controller glared defiantly at Bowen. "I did what I had to do for power," she spat. "You know nothing of my struggles."

"Power at the cost of innocent lives is no power at all," Bowen replied coldly. "You chose this path, and now you will face the consequences."

Witnesses were called to testify, including Daniel, whose voice trembled as he recounted the death of his father. Each testimony spoken against the controller painted a damning picture of the controller's actions, her willingness to sacrifice others for her own gain. Both vampires and humans were not spared from the controller's anger.

As the trial progressed, the crowd grew more restless, their anger more noticable.

Finally, it was time for the controller to speak in her defense. She stood, her chains rattling, and addressed the crowd. "I did what I did out of necessity, our lands were taken by the vampires and I couldn't help but avenge for my people, she said, her voice hard. "The demons offered power, and I took it. You all would have done the same in my place."

Her words were met with murmurs of dissent. Bowen raised a hand to silence the crowd. "You speak of necessity, but all I see is selfishness. You could have sought help, could have turned away from darkness, but you chose to embrace it. you chose to inflict harm on my people."

The controller's eyes blazed with anger. "You, of all people should understand. You are no stranger to the dark."

Bowen's expression remained stoic. "I have walked the path of darkness, but I chose to fight against it, not succumb to it."

The crowd erupted in cheers, their support for Bowen clear. The controller's fate was sealed. Bowen turned to the assembled nobles. "We have heard the evidence, and we have heard her defense. Now it is time to render judgment."

One by one, the nobles were his three brothers and his other war captains stood and declared their verdict: guilty. Dominic smiled at the controller with a victorious smirk on his face. Even Gerard couldn't help but feel happy about the controller's unfavored verdict. The controller's defiance crumbled, replaced by fear as the reality of her situation set in.

Bowen stood, his gaze unwavering. "For your crimes, you are sentenced to death. Your execution will serve as a reminder to all that consorting with demons and bringing harm to our people will not be tolerated."

The crowd roared its approval as the soldiers led the controller away. She struggled, screaming curses and threats, but there was no escape. Her execution was swift which pleased a lot of people, she was beheaded at the square which brought relief to the people of the city.

As the crowd dispersed, Bowen and Daniel stood side by side, watching the villagers return to their lives. "Is it over?" Daniel asked quietly.

"For now," Bowen replied.