"Execute him and be done with it."
Director Voskar's fist crashed against polished mahogany. The deliberation chamber's crystal goblets rattled. Twelve jurors sat around the circular table.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through stained glass windows. Each panel depicted scenes from Association history of wars. The First Dimensional War. The Great Purge. The Continental Accords. Light cast colored shadows across faces locked in heated debate.
"The precedent matters more than sentiment," Voskar continued. His scarred hands gripped the table edge until knuckles went white. "Hunters need to understand that killing guild leaders brings immediate death. No exceptions. No mercy."
Callen Etros leaned forward across the table. Rage burned behind his eyes like forge fires. Veins bulged in his neck as family honor warred with political necessity.
