Forever Alone... Or Not

Chapter 27

POV: Sariha

It was obvious everyone was staring.

They were justifiably flabbergasted. No one actually suspected I would change just to defend Nicco. Most vampires don't seem to understand selflessness and love. Oh, and justice. While preparing for trial, we discovered other instances where a higher vampire claimed something or another and condemned someone-both humans and vampires- to death. There was such a blatant dichotomy between vampires and humans, and on another level, higher ranked vampires and vampires that are deemed lesser than. And of course, this "government" plays into and protects said dichotomy. Literally fucking bullshit. No wonder Bethany and Nicco left.

"I must admit, Mrs. Stone, you continue to surprise me." The head honcho, the wrinkly ball sack of a man Lorcan Cahill addressed. He gave one of those 'old man trying not to seem like a creep while flirting with a child' smirks. Fucking disgusting.

Bethany wasn't kidding, turning into a vampire hurt like a motherfucker. Almost immediately your senses heighten so you can feel and hear as every molecule of your being shifts, and changes, then freezes as your body dies. And it is so much more than just pain. So many different and new feelings twisting into a hurricane of nothing but agonizing fire, pain, and

hunger. What a wonderful experience that was.

When my body no longer felt like a sizzling kabob all that was left was the gripping hunger. I told Bethany beforehand that I didn't want to drink human blood. I absolutely refuse to. So, at first, I fed from her. And by god was that fucking magical. Her blood had so many flavors and profiles and was so well-balanced yet so contrasting. Like it was bitter and acidic, sweet and savory, rich yet extremely delicate. Hands down, it was the best thing I have ever tasted. Animal blood tastes like gasoline compared to hers.

Anyways, back to court. Today, Estelle and Domingo sat proudly in the front, for all eyes to see. Obviously, they stand to gain if Nicco is convicted. He would be executed in the most gruesome way. So, they would get their sick wish of killing their own son, and they would never receive the repercussions coming to them without Nicco's testament.

I want so badly to give them what they deserve. Turning a fucking child into a vampire is against the law for a reason. Even as an 18-year-old, consenting adult, that was the most painful thing I have ever felt. I can't even imagine the damage that would do to a child's psyche. It's very surprising that Nicco was still...well Nicco. Making jokes and playing around like he wasn't tortured by his own parents. The night we attended the council meeting was the only night I've seen Nicco like that. He hides his wounds really well. Don't we all though?

"Councilman Cahill, might I be frank?" I asked. You know, to make it seem like he still had control.

"You may."

"I have already given the case of Nicco Ignacio. I have pointed out the faults of his accusation, the faults of the new law, and have followed the requirement of being a vampire attorney. With no stable grounding, there simply isn't any reason for him to be convicted. We ask that he be released immediately."

"While I may agree with you at this moment, Estelle and Domingo have requested a rebuttal and we must allow it." I'm sure my anger at his response was written on my face, as he seemed somewhat giddy once telling me, despite his wording. "You may approach." He instructed the two vampires.

I took a moment to breathe. Not that I need to breathe anymore, but it was comforting, nonetheless. Of fucking course they would try something new. I swear they just had backup plan after backup plan, after backup plan. They would make fantastic supervillains, ya'know, if they weren't already.

I stiffened as something brushed my hand resting on the long birch desk. It was just Bethany, cupping her hand over my fist. This, like breathing, is completely unnecessary, but comforting nonetheless. Oh, and completely wanted, so wanted. I walked around the table to sit while the Ignacio's presented whatever bullshit they pulled from their ass.

"Thank you, your honor." Estelle is such a fucking ass-kisser. So much so that it's not just kissing she's doing, she's licking, and she's sucking that old man's ass HARD. The innocent, yet devilish smile she had plastered to her face didn't fucking help.

"Get on with it." He returned.

"Yes, your honor." Estelle gestured to Domingo to continue.

"Sir, for many years my family and I have served devotedly to the council of vampires and our species as a whole. To disobey our cherished laws would be a complete disgrace. Unfortunately, we had to put aside the laws in order to save our son." The man, like he was actually hurt, placed a hand over his chest and paused. I glanced over to Sariha, whose face clearly conveyed her confusion and anger. "You see, your honor, we went against the law because Nicco was believed to have been infected with a severe case of pneumonia. The infection caused an untreatable swelling of the heart walls called Myocarditis. He would have died had we not turned him." It was kinda weird seeing this man who had not an ounce of emotion showing ever, display such a compassionate sentiment. Compassionate meaning fake, of course.

"This has nothing to do with the case at hand, your honor, if it was true. They are simply trying to persuade your favor." I stood and commented loudly, very clearly pointing my glare at the two Ignacios. I really tried to keep my feelings at bay. Not let them show in my face or in my act. But this was really pissing me off. Why couldn't they just leave it alone? Take the fucking L, bitches.

"That is not all your honor." He seethed, telling me to 'shut the fuck up' with his snarl. "Before this incident I had figured out Nicco was fated to Michael." Let's just say my jaw dropped at this. Lying pieces of shit. "Even as a human I was able to detect the bond between Michael and Nicco. Though it was angering, his blood bond was human and male. I did inform my son of this, as that is my duty bearing such a gift."

"Your honor," I exclaimed, my voice echoing through the courtroom. "They are clearly lying. They're grasping at straws here."

"Maybe so. But we must take this testament into account as Domingo could very well have known and told Nicco of his blood bond. Though you may decide how we continue." My lips were pursed as I waited for his elaboration. "The council has discussed a deal for Nicco because this law is new and clearly very flawed." Estelle and Domingo were clearly upset at this. "If this deal is chosen, Nicco will not be executed, but he will be imprisoned for 150 years as deemed appropriate by the council." Now they were even more upset. "This is the only easy out Mrs. Stone. I implore you to think about this delicately."

Of course, I didn't want to take the "plea deal". Plea deals are for those that committed crimes and for those with inefficient lawyers. But, with how adamant the Ignacios are on having Nicco killed. And who knows how long this will go on for.

"May I discuss the options with Nicco?" The council was quiet. Ever since they detained him, we have yet to talk or even see Nicco. It's an actual written rule that those believed to have gone against the council may not be able to attend the hearings. "This is his life we're discussing, your honor. I feel as if he should be included in this decision."

After a few gulps of contemplation, and some nonverbal communication, the head honcho himself nodded. He waved at some of the guards positioned to the sides to open a non-discrete door basically hidden as it matched the wall. It led to an obscurely lit hall with cement walls. Creepy. Just like the rest of this place.

"As ordered by our laws, the accused was not fed while in custody. So I suggest bringing the human with you."

July 24th, 2023

1,389 Words