The wind blew, rustling the leaves on the trees that lined the path toward the Moon dorms. As the sun began to set, the quiet atmosphere began to bustle as the Day class students' usual routine of stealing glances at the Night class began once more. And in response, the Day prefects were present to ensure order was maintained and that the Day students would not become too caught up in their swooning to warrant the breaking of school rules.

"Alright! Can it you smitten apes!" Isabelle Dunois yelled at a bunch of guys who were on the verge of fainting the minute one of the vampire girls emerged. "Seriously, you wonder why you guys appear so dumb to the rest of the school?"

Anju watched the familiar sight of Isabelle yelling at the Day class students as she walked down the path. She had to admit, she missed the boisterous crowds, though not the need to keep them in line.

"Back to the good old days eh?" Misaki chirped from beside her.

"Not completely though." Anju said, remembering that Ichigo wasn't around. She wondered exactly what he was doing at this time. Hopefully he was keeping himself healthy and not running too ragged with the training he had requested from the higher ranked Hunters. Anju now spared a glance at the Night class students who were heading out. It was also apparent that Akira's presence had been scarce lately. She could only guess that he was undergoing extra training on his own. After all, despite holding his own against the Paragon monsters, fighting them had still taken its toll on him. Therefore it was up to the other Prefects to maintain order among the Night Class. Unfortunately, they too appeared to be involved with their own personal training, leading to different rotations among them to carry out their duties.

And this led to some complications for them as well, as Anju could attest to after seeing Gabriella's face. The less-than-adequately healthy vampire looked worse for wear with the bags under her eyes and her stooped posture. Even the other Vampire students around her found this rather concerning.

"Senior Gabriella!" Anju greeted as soon as she was within earshot. "You sure you don't need to rest?"

"I just intend to attend one class." Gabriella sighed exhaustedly. "But don't worry Anju, I know how to pace myself in handling the Night class. How have you been by the way?" She asked before letting out a drawn out yawn.

"Better I suppose." Anju said. "I'm just glad I'm back." She then turned her head, catching the sight of some male students attempting to approach a vampire girl. "Excuse me a moment." Anju said before rushing over to stop them.

"Okay! That's enough! No breaking out of the line!" Anju said, attempting to hold them back. Instantly, she found that the after effects of her time with Yuki. Before, she wouldn't have dared to try and hold back at least three male students on her own, but now she was able to at least push them back, though it still took every effort she had.

"Alright now." The vampire girl said. "I'll sign autographs or accept gifts later. But for now, it's best we not give Ms. Prefect a hard time, okay?"

"Okaaay…" The guys swooned, immediately moving back. Anju breathed as the tension eased. She wiped the sweat off her brow as she turned to the vampire student.

"Thanks very much." Anju said gratefully. "But please make sure you don't break any school rules when you decide to accept gifts from the Day class students."

"Of course Ms. Cross." The vampire girl nodded.

Ms. Cross? Anju frowned. The vampire students never spoke to her with that level of respect before. Normally, they would see her as a form of amusement as she attempted to hold back the crowds while others with more daredevilry would try to swoon her instead. Now though, most of that appeared to be gone. "Well, as long as you get it, it'll be fine." She replied.

"Thank you." The girl replied. "Anything for Lady Yuki's vessel."

Anju looked quizzically as she walked away. Gabriella, who had observed the whole affair, now walked forward. "Most of the Night class are aware of your harbouring of Lady Yuki. In her time, she greatly influenced the ways of the world, allowing us vampires to live peacefully in coexistence with humans. She is heavily revered among our kind. And as her vessel and representative, though temporarily, many vampires see you in a more exalted light than before."

"Huh…" Anju frowned. "You should know that her waking up inside my body was completely due to chance. Any member of the Kuran family could have bonded to me."

"And yet, it was Yuki Kuran's identity that manifested." Gabriella smiled. "I don't know why it was her specifically, but I do know that you both did great things for all of us. How can we ignore something that crucial?"

"Well, I have to head off." Gabriella bowed. "I wish you well Anju."

"Yeah. Thanks." Anju nodded. Just as Gabriella turned however, Anju spoke again. "I'm heading to the courthouse later today."

"Ah." Gabriella said. "For Cassandra?"

"Yeah." Anju acknowledged. "It's another thing I have to see to the end."

Gabriella nodded as she walked away. "You are more like Lady Yuki than you think Anju." She whispered under her breath. "Perhaps that is why she returned the way she did."

Ai sipped the glass of blood tablet solution as she read the report from the Darkstalkers. Her eyes frowned the minute she saw the one word that was highlighted with red.

Alucard… She thought as she picked a biscuit and placed it in her mouth. Inverted, it spells Dracula, the most famous of fictional vampires. Why would this be of significance to Mortis? In response, Ai now put in a search on her mobile tablet, intent upon reading the lore of the fictional Dracula.

"Hmm…" Ai pursed her lips as she read. "Transformed into a dog huh? Hypnotism as well, with some other well defined powers. What exactly are you planning Mortis?"

"I never thought you were a fan of such fiction sister." Ren called from behind her.

"Call it research." Ai replied. "This Alucard project feels different from the others, and it does not calm my nerves one bit."

Ai now stood up, turning to face Ren. Ren frowned as soon as she stared into her sister's eyes. There was a certain edge to them now, the kind that was very familiar in both his mother and his other father. "Ai, I trust you will reign in that bloodlust when you show yourself to the council and the court?"

"It won't affect my decision making if that is what you are concerned with." Ai said. "But for now, the details of Cassandra's trial comes first. Where are big sis Ruka and the others?"

"They are waiting for you downstairs to go over the final details." Ren said.

"I see." Ai nodded as she walked out of her private study, the butlers bowing as she walked past. "Well, I suppose three days straight of discussion has built up the case quite nicely. And is Ms. Cross coming over as well?"

"The car picked her up from the school just a few minutes ago." Ren explained. "I expect her to arrive within twenty minutes time. As arranged, she will be guarded properly."

"Good." Ai nodded. "With vampire society now seeing her in a more exalted fashion it would be prudent to ensure proper security for her till the buzz dies down. Now lastly, how is the interrogation going?"

"Lestat remains difficult." Ren said. "The Hunter's Association have given quite some contribution, but as of now he is the hardest captive by far. Pain doesn't seem to faze him at all. I suppose working under Mortis Kraven could likely do that to an individual."

Ai stopped moving, remaining silent as she processed this latest news.

"Sister?" Ren asked when she had remained motionless for more than an adequate amount of time. She had been privy to many moments of extreme silence from her sister that she knew when the silence was especially uncomfortable. Though she remained like a statue, it was obvious that something sinister was going through her mind. The bloodlust that was present moments ago flared once more, and this time Ai made no effort to hide it.

"Allow me to see him Ren." Ai said. "After the trial session."

"Please at least leave him alive…" Ren sighed. "You can be civil to that extent yes?"

"Of course." Ai nodded, not looking back toward her sibling. "Now then, it's time we got going." At this Ai resumed walking down the hallway, shadows swirling around her like steam.

Hours Later

The courthouse was quite large. It spanned two stories, with the second floor having benches and seats for related witnesses and representatives. The first floor was the location of the main jury and court delegation, where the affiliated members of the vampire senate and the Hunter's Association would be seated. At the far end of the room was where the central judges would be seated, along with the Queen herself. Before this lay a small podium, where the accused would stand, awaiting judgement.

Anju sat in the bench, nervously looking around. It was still unnerving to be one of the few humans within a whole courthouse of vampires. Despite the fact that most of them now revered her as 'Lady Yuki's host', she still didn't feel that it was safe to let her guard down, even for a moment. Still, she did find comfort in the fact that Queen Ai had assigned her an escort.

"You are taking this well." Seiren said from her left. "Often humans are so worried about the vampires in the whole room, even the one assigned to guard them."

"After what I've been through, a room filled with vampires doesn't scare me." Anju breathed. "I'm just worried about how they'll interact with me. Already I'm getting stuck with titles like 'Lady Yuki's representative'. It can be a little daunting."

"Well, it's not every day a human ends up being a host to a Pureblood." Seiren said. "I'm sure that fact alone is all the more reason why other vampires see you in that light. You did help her with her mission after all."

Anju leaned back in the bench, watching as many other individuals took seats upon the second floor. The courtroom was slowly filling up, though for some reason, no one was taking the seats near her. Perhaps they wanted to respect her personal space? Through a quick study of their eyes, she saw that most were directed at Seiren. They merely glanced at her direction before turning away.

"This may sound rude Ms. Seiren." Anju said. "But exactly how dangerous are you among vampires?"

"Well, I served under Lady Yuki's husband. I had quite a hand in his more, unpleasant schemes. Some things just don't get completely swept under the rug, no matter how hard you try." Seiren answered solemnly. "Still, I get a good amount of peace and quiet, so all's well that ends well."

"Hello again Anju." Came a familiar voice. Anju turned to see Akira walk up and take a seat beside her, the surrounding knights and Seiren bowing as he did. She looked to his attire, noting that he wore his traditional knight garments along with the sword on his hip.

"Hello Senior Akira." Anju smiled. "It's been a while since we saw each other right?"

"Quite a while." Akira nodded. "Training has been difficult, and my aunt isn't one to go about it nicely."

"She seems strict." Anju agreed.

"She has trained countless Vampire Knights over the years." Akira said. "She doesn't play favourites with anyone, even me."

"Sounds tough." Anju nodded. "I heard that even Ridley is afraid of her."

"And hopefully that never changes." Akira said. "He has a lot to answer for. Ever vampire in the world at this point has heard of what he did to Cassandra. Kraven vampire or no, none are happy about how he bore his fangs against a Pureblood. Of course, I doubt it is all for the same reason. I'm sure you understand how some vampires see Purebloods."

Anju frowned. The Chairman had told her plenty about vampire culture and how revered the Purebloods were. While some was mere adoration, other was simply because they desired the blood of such beings. Granted, none were foolish enough to think that they could simply go for a Pureblood and emerge unscathed. The highest ranked of all vampires were feared for a reason after all. Yet, she felt that wasn't going to stop Ridley. Her hand now drifted to her side, where Ridley's sword had slashed her all those months ago. From that one encounter, she already knew that Ridley cared little about who was who. Be they vampire or human, he would do anything to see the world be drenched in blood.

"Now if you'll excuse me." Akira said. "I need to be down below. It seems I will be called as a witness." Anju nodded as he walked away quickly.

Soon the doors opened, and all rose as the members of the vampire judiciary council and the Hunter's Association party came in and took their respective seats. Coming in last was Queen Ai, Akatsuki Kain and Senri Shiki among them. Anju took notice of another vampire walking in with them. He had short blonde hair and green eyes, with a rather boyish face accompanying it.

"That is Takuma Ichijo." Seiren explained in whispers. "He is one of the few vampires serving as direct confidants to Queen Ai. He mostly handles diplomatic relations with human officials worldwide, and reports to Queen Ai for any issues regarding our laws with humans. You could say that he is her first minister."

All watched as they took their seats at the far end of the room, guarded by Vampire Knights adorned in their full garb. Then, another group walked in. Anju watched as Cassandra Kraven slowly made her way to the podium, flanked by fully armed Vampire Knights. Despite the cuffs on her hands, there was a sense of regal serenity about her that was not common in vampire criminals.

All watched as she stood upon the podium, murmurs going throughout the audience as they no doubt discussed about Cassandra. Then, a member of the vampire jury stood up, holding a stack of paper. "The trial of Lady Cassandra Kraven will now commence. As per the regulations and the law, we ask that the accused only speak when allowed to. Furthermore, we strongly ask that any and all witnesses speak truth in their testimonials to the questions of the jury. When we believe the evidence for a clear judgement is made, we shall then deliver our final verdict upon the accused based upon her testimony and that of the other witnesses."

Ai nodded as she turned to Ichijo. "May we have a summary of the respective pleas?"

Ichijo smiled as he stood up, holding a few slips of paper in his hands as he looked toward Cassandra Kraven. "The accused, Cassandra Kraven, is currently being judged on the basis of breaking the peace treaty through the secret incursion of hostile elements into Cross Academy. Do you deny this?"

"No." Cassandra said.

"Very well." Ichijo nodded. "Let us proceed."

The hearing formally began. Anju watched as Ichijo slowly asked Cassandra questions, starting with her knowledge of her grandfather's plots. Cassandra for her part, seemed to answer truthfully; that she had believed vampire society to be flawed, that she felt the current leadership was weak and wrong in its dealings. However, Ichijo also asked in regards to her thoughts on this matter.

"I…" Cassandra frowned as she answered. "I admit that I had not expressly thought about this until today. I had been kept secluded for a long time and unable to see the world. Thus, I believed every word of my grandfather's only to realise too late that they were but mostly lies."

"I see." Ichijo nodded. "Now, I would like to ask if you had knowledge of being a Blood Siren."

"At the time, no." Cassandra stated. "I merely believed it an old family legend then."

"And were you aware of your grandfather's acts of kidnapping across the world?" Ichijo asked. At this Cassandra fell silent, a worried look now crossing her face.

"She doesn't look so good." Anju whispered to Seiren.

"I suspect she did have some knowledge of it." Seiren said. "This will definitely not bode well for her sentence."

"Ms. Kraven?" Ichijo asked. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes." Cassandra nodded. "To answer your previous question, I did know. My grandfather discussed many things with me and my sisters. I looked the other way because I thought that such methods were the only way for vampires to prosper. I never thought that he was using such acts for nefarious purposes…"

"Am I to take it that you admit you had no knowledge of Project Paragon?" Ichijo asked.

"I did not." Casandra said firmly.

All watched as the questioning took place, after which the jury began calling other witnesses to the front, some of whom included teachers at Cross Academy, other students, even Beatrice was called to testify toward some of the claims. Ichijo then called for Akira himself, wanting to note his own testimony.

"Now then Akira." Ichijo nodded. "I trust that you will answer me as honestly as possible?"

"To the best of my abilities." Akira nodded.

"Very well." Ichijo continued. "When Cassandra came to the Moon dorms, did you once suspect that she was a danger to the school?"

"I did have my suspicions." Akira said. "And not because she was some other Pureblood. I felt that there was more to her than met the eye. But please note, I did not see her as dangerous at all."

"And yet, you kept watch of her?" Ichijo asked.

"As ordered, I was to keep watch of Anju Cross." Akira said. "As Cassandra was slowly becoming more and more wary of her; that was when I decided to be more mindful of her actions and that of Beatrice."

"So your actions were based upon your orders?" Ichijo asked.

"Yes." Akira nodded.

"So do you believe Cassandra a threat?" Ichijo frowned.

"No." Akira said. "I do not believe her a threat to vampire society at all. If anything, I believe she was misguided, and her power and gifts used for purposes she did not intend for. While there is no doubt that she was connected to the Kraven clan's plans, I believe that she had no knowledge of the true nature of said plans."

Ichijo nodded. "Thank you. That will be all."

At this, Akira returned to his seat as Ichijo returned to the central seat. She watched as Ichijo began to converse with Queen Ai and the others. "We will now take our leave to debate the evidence we have collected." Ichijo said to the entire courtroom as he finished. "Our judgement will be made known upon our return." At once, the jury filed out, along with the central judges, leaving only Cassandra, witnesses and those seated on the second floor.

"I wonder how long it will take." Anju said.

"Back in the day, it was Lady Yuki and some members of the current council who would decide the fate of vampires after a collation of all the evidence." Seiren explained. "Normally, those sessions took less than a few hours. But this is a massive case. It may take quite some time before an actual judgement is reached."

"But, Cassandra was quite honest. Wouldn't it help her in any way?" Anju asked.

"It doesn't work that way Anju." Seiren said. "Though she was honest, it also makes the evidence all the more incriminating. She already had knowledge of the abductions occurring worldwide. That in itself is a serious matter. She also knew that her enrolment into Cross Academy was an infiltration as well. It will not be overlooked so lightly."

"No…" Anju's eyes fell. "She helped us didn't she? She shouldn't be punished."

"Such a decision isn't ours to make." Seiren said. "It is that of the council and the jury, along with the Queen, who herself must uphold the laws we have with the humans."

"Still, it would be unwise to put aside our faith in Queen Ai." Seiren stated further. "I'm sure that she will consider the good Cassandra had done as well. Furthermore, Cassandra has shared plenty about her family's inner workings as best as possible. Even the jury would find it preposterous to not take that into account."

Anju nodded, noting Seiren's points. If nothing else, the jury had to take such actions into account. Additionally, Cassandra had said that she had no knowledge of some of these actions. Surely they had to account for her limited knowledge of such plans. Anju now looked at Cassandra, who appeared oddly calm despite the murmurs. She truly wondered what was going through the Blood Siren's head. Then again, she had difficulty in understanding what went through Akira's. Perhaps this was no different.

What appeared to be an hour later, the doors opened again and the members of the council and the jury returned. Everyone stood up again as they took their seats, sitting down again as soon as Ai and the central judges did so. Ai now nodded toward Ichijo, who nodded back and stood up. "Before we deliver our judgement, I wish to ask the accused one question. Cassandra Kraven, what do you wish to plea?"

"If you believe I'm going to plea 'Not Guilty' sir Ichijo, I doubt I have any reason to do so." Cassandra said melancholically. "I have told the truth and nothing but the truth, and I await the judgement that I deserve."

"Am I assume you do not wish to plead for amnesty?" Ichijo arched an eyebrow. "After all, many people owe you their lives from the battle of Kraven Castle."

"Perhaps." Cassandra nodded. "But as they say, you hold responsibility for your own actions. I wasn't taught to shirk away from problems I have caused. I will accept whatever judgement you have for me."

"Very well then." Ichijo nodded, though there was a spark in his eyes that seemed to respect her character. "I will now read out the verdict of the council and the courts."

"We find the accused to be Guilty of her actions in attempting to disrupt the law and provoking conflict amongst our peoples. In addition, we also find you guilty as an accomplice to the kidnapping and cases of unlawful experimentation and deaths of countless civilians of both human and vampire origin." Ichijo read. Anju felt something within her knot up, her fist clenched as the verdict was given.

"However, we of the courts have taken into account your own assistance to our people and also your lack of knowledge regarding the schemes of your clan." Ichijo explained further. "Therefore, we have decided to issue you a sentence of House Arrest, of which will be lifted at our discretion. This was decided upon formally by the courts and the jury based on the evidence of both the accused and our witnesses."

Cassandra blinked in what Anju could only describe as surprise. It seemed that Cassandra had gotten a sentence far more lenient than what she had expected.

"In addition, Queen Ai herself has decided upon the location of your confinement." Ichijo said. "Hence forth, you shall be imprisoned at Cross Academy, under the watchful eyes of the vampires under the authority of Lord Akira Kuran."

"Huh?" Cassandra gasped, her eyes widening.

"Wha-?" Anju blinked, equally as shocked now.

"Do you have any objections?" Ichijo asked.

"Uh…" Cassandra paused for a bit, still overwhelmed by such a decision. She looked to Queen Ai, who now had the faint ghost of a smile on her face. Cassandra composed herself once more, nodding as she spoke her answer. "No. I accept this sentence gracefully."

"Very well." Ichijo nodded. "As there are no objections, this case is now closed. Dismissed!"

"Wait!" Cassandra called out. "Queen Ai, a moment of your time if you will."

"Yes?" Ai frowned, wondering what more she had to say.

"Before I leave today, I think you should know." Cassandra spoke, garnering the attention of all. "If you wish to challenge my grandfather, you ought to know the other title he is known for."

"What?" Ai stared in confusion.

"Long ago, before I was born." Cassandra said. "He was also known as the Death Lord. I know not the origin of this title, but I can only expect it is from rather grim conditions."

Ai pursed her lips, taking in this information as the guards came forward to escort Cassandra. "Very well Cassandra." Ai nodded. "I will take that into consideration."

"Thank you.' Cassandra bowed, now turning away as the guards escorted her from the premises. As she did, she looked upward toward where Anju was seated, apparently knowing where she had been the whole time. As their eyes met, Cassandra offered a faint smile.

Anju smiled back as Cassandra was led away. Despite everything, it appeared that Cassandra's sentence was not as harsh as she feared it to be. She wondered if this was what Yuki herself would have hoped for.

"Perhaps they wish of her to learn of the current society we have, hoping it would change her view of life." Seiren said as she stood up. "Either way, it appears this turn of events went as you had hoped."

"Yeah." Anju nodded. "It did. And it seems I'll still be able to watch over Cassandra and help her adjust into school. I have this strange feeling that I'll be needed quite a lot in the coming days."

"Well then. It's time I escorted you back home." Seiren stated.

Castle Kuran Dungeon

Ai's footsteps echoed through the cold and cramped halls together with the metallic clinks of Ren's sword. She finally approached the interrogation chamber, flanked by two knights of the Violet Guard, the sect responsible for the guarding of key installations, along with the most elite being Ai's own honour-guards.

"Keep it under control sister." Ren said from behind.

"Relax Ren." Ai sighed. "I've had plenty of reminders."

"And one more wouldn't hurt." Ren answered in response.

Ai sighed again. "I promise you I won't kill him."

"And there we go with the loopholes again…" Ren muttered to herself as she signalled for the guards to open the door. Both of them entered, watching as the Hunters sent to interrogate Lestat walked out.

"How is he?" Ai asked.

"He's a tough nut to crack." The Senior Hunter replied. "We've done every possible thing we could think of that was within the most ethical rules and he still refuses to talk."

Ai nodded as he reported the situation. "Let me take over for tonight. Perhaps he will have a slightly different demeanour before a Pureblood."

"Go right ahead." The Hunter agreed. "Maybe he'll actually be afraid this time."

Ai now nodded to the guards to open the door before her. She stepped into the dimly lit room that contained two chairs and a small table. Seated in the chair was Franklin Lestat, his arms bound behind his back. From the corners of the room, heavily armed Vampire Knights flanked him, alert for the slightest bit of trouble.

"Lestat." Ai said as she sat down in the opposite chair.

The vampire looked up at her, smirking. With his mask removed, Ai could now see the grey patches of dying flesh that marked his face. It wasn't especially severe, but it did make him quite the ineligible bachelor. "Queen Ai. At last you have graced me with your presence. I was actually getting tired of the Hunter's torture methods. Physical brutality and burning wasn't getting anywhere fast."

Ai remained silent as he ranted, folding her arms across her while constantly looking at him. "What?" Lestat frowned. "I never expected you to be such a quiet individual."

Then, Lestat flashed a sinister smile. "You know, I had quite entertaining talks with your mother when she was inhabiting that little girl. I found her quite an interesting character to be with despite her position as a blood source."

Ai didn't reply. Instead, she gestured to Ren, who now moved behind and removed Lestat's bindings.

"What's this?" Lestat frowned. "Releasing my bindings? My my Queen Ai, you certainly are confidant. But I do admit that there is nothing I can do against you right now, not with all your guards and your dirty half-breed sister here. Still, if this is all you came to do, then I must say I am quite s-"

Before Lestat managed to say his last word, he was suddenly forced off the chair and then into the wall. Lestat gagged as he felt the full pressure crashing into him, sealing off his movements completely. It was as if he was suddenly trapped in a vice, unable to move as every fibre in his body ached against the strain.

"For someone in charge of scientific research, you really aren't the smartest." Ai said, her eyes staring at him coldly. "Egging me on while I was already livid with you? Congratulations, you are the first."

She walked up to him, twisting his head so that she could look into his eyes. "Well then, since you were so hospital to my mother during her brief period of existence, you won't argue with my returning the favour, yes?"

"Grrrgh!" Lestat groaned as he bared his teeth at her.

"Fret not." Ai said, her eyes lacking empathy of any kind. "I won't kill you, yet. After all, you still need to give me answers." She now stroked his chin, moving her finger down past his throat and toward his right shoulder.

"However…" Ai said, her eyes still locked onto Lestat. "I was never privy about you remaining unscathed." Ai quickly grasped his right shoulder, forcefully ripping his arm out of its socket as blood spurted out and left a massive stain across the cell. Lestat screamed in agony as his severed limb hit the floor. At once, Ai summoned hordes of butterflies that descended upon the limb. Slowly, all could hear the shredding of flesh and the crunching of bone as the butterflies devoured his hand till not even a speck of it remained. Once the deed was done, Ai grasped Lestat's throat, cutting off his screams before sending him to the floor.

"BITCH!" Lestat cursed before a telekinetic force pressed him into the ground.

"Listen well Lestat…" Ai said as she crouched low. "You may fear the many reasons why Mortis Kraven is called the Death Lord. You may not even fear the death I have in mind for you that will in all likelihood pale in comparison to what your master could offer. However, remember that despite it all, I do have ways to make you talk. Ways that may make even a stout-hearted man like you weep in terror."

"So, you've finally shown your true colours…" Lestat coughed. "What will your human allies think if they found out this side of you? What would your son say? What would Lady Cassandra say? Or, what about that human girl?"

Ai stood up, releasing the telekinetic force holding him down. "Remember this Lestat, vampires and humans are capable of the most atrocious acts. The true question is whether we take pleasure in their deliverance…"

Author's Note:

Well, despite my increasingly busy school schedule and the need to rush my assignments out for their upcoming deadlines, it seems that I have been able to get this chapter out. Still, I apologise for it being a little later than usual. Hopefully once my research project finishes I'll be able to dedicate more time toward this story. I do intend to finish it by this year, so do bear with me.

As a side note, do let me know what you think of this chapter. I have never written anything regarding a court hearing before, and my utter lack of experience in such matters was one of the factors holding this chapter back. Do let me know of anything you feel could have been improved here.

Regards,

JdBl00d