But beneath his calm look, a storm churned.
Each insult landed like a blade.
Each sneer pushed against the very limit of his restraint.
Each mention of Kaizar twisted the grief and longing already eating him alive.
He had endured the slaughter of his family.
He had endured one month of silence.
He had endured not knowing whether Min-jae was alive or dead.
But this...
this open, gleeful humiliation...
It made something dark burn in his chest.
Governor Kyren watched him quietly from across the row, he, at least, offered no mockery. His expression held a flicker of pity.
But pity meant nothing right now.
A magistrate raised his voice, pulling attention back toward the dais.
"The accused has until the bell tolls."
The heavy bell tolled once.
A rustle moved through the hall.
The magistrate lifted the parchment again. "If the accused does not arrive by the final..."
BANG
The great doors slammed open so hard they struck the stone walls.
Gasps erupted.
