Chapter 45: Back from the dead-3
The judge’s voice echoes through the courtroom, amplifying the gravity of his words. "The accused has been found guilty of orchestrating the disappearance and possible murder of his own master, the kingdom’s hero, Thorne Alden."
A wave of gasps ripples through the crowd, their collective shock palpable. The reporters’ fingers fly over their notepads and recording devices, capturing every moment of the unfolding drama with intense focus. Amidst the clamor, Victor remains an imposing figure. Despite the chains and the rough treatment, his gaze is steady and unyielding. His eyes, dark and intense, lock onto the crown prince seated in the front row, radiating a palpable hatred that seems to pierce through the murky gloom of the courtroom.
The atmosphere is electric, charged with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The nobles, their excitement barely contained, exchange hushed whispers about the trial. Their eyes dart from Victor to the crown prince, their expressions a blend of curiosity and glee.
Victor’s defiant stare causes a ripple of discomfort among some of the onlookers. A few nobles avert their gazes, unable to hold his fierce, unyielding stare. The contrast between his grim demeanor and their polished appearances is stark and unsettling.
The judge continues, his voice slicing through the thick tension. "The evidence against the accused has been overwhelming. Victor, the so-called ’Mad Dog,’ is not only guilty of betrayal but has also sullied the honor of the Crimson General."
With a sharp motion, the judge signals the guards to stand Victor upright. The prisoner’s defiant posture remains unbroken, though his chains clink ominously with every movement. The judge’s eyes are cold and detached as he looks down from his elevated seat.
"Let it be known," the judge announces, "that justice will be served swiftly and decisively. The sentencing of Victor will commence immediately."
The atmosphere grows even more intense as Victor is forced to kneel, his face turned toward the crowd. His expression is one of fierce resolve, his eyes smoldering with a burning defiance that refuses to be quenched by his grim circumstances.
The judge reads out the charges, each word heavy with finality. The crowd watches in a mixture of horror and anticipation as the finality of the sentencing unfolds. The murmurs rise again, a low, thrumming buzz of speculation and conjecture, punctuated by the occasional gasp or hushed comment.
Victor’s gaze sweeps the room, lingering on the crown prince once more. His eyes, though filled with a smoldering rage, also carry a quiet challenge, as if daring anyone to question his loyalty and actions. The crown prince meets his gaze with a mix of curiosity, mockery and detachment, seemingly unaffected by the glare.
The judge’s gavel comes down once more with a decisive bang, signaling the end of the proceedings. The room falls silent, the weight of Victor’s fate settling heavily over the spectators. The execution is imminent, and the sense of foreboding is palpable, hanging in the air like a dark cloud.
The judge’s voice rings out with chilling finality. "I hereby sentence you to death," he declares, his tone brooking no argument. The words hang heavily in the air, reverberating through the silent courtroom.