"You are a heretic and a disgrace to the cloth you wear."
Lysaria's words, simple and direct, struck Elian harder than any physical blow. His defiance crumbled. "No... I was doing the Light's work... I was..."
Before he could finish his pathetic excuse, another voice cut through the air. It was sharp, cold, and laced with contempt.
"You are just a coward hiding behind an excuse of the stupid light."
All heads turned. Sherry stood up from her seat, her arms crossed, her dark robes a stark contrast to the bright silks of the jury.
A wave of shocked whispers immediately swept through the plaza.
"A dark mage?"
"What is she doing on the dais?"
"This is a sacred trial! It's blasphemy!"
King Harius raised a hand.
A heavy silence fell instantly. His gaze was firm. "The witness will be heard," he declared, his voice leaving no room for argument. He looked at Sherry. "Speak. Tell this court what you saw."
