The Heart Of The Demon

Chapter Twenty - Five: The Council of Demi's

My chains clinked as the bounty hunter guided me along the hallways. There were other prisoners in cells that whispered as we passed by. Despite how we interacted earlier, he allowed me to lean some of my weight on him as I grew weaker the more blood I lost. Once the suppressants were fully out of my system I'd be fine. They were almost gone. He actually did me a favor by stabbing me, allowing the remains of that bullshit to be released.

"I would look the other way if you decided to run," he whispered. "I don't want to make two beings pay for the crimes of one, the council might not see logic."

"I want Falosa to pay, but I find it endearing that you're concerned for my safety, you'd be one of the first," I said, patting his arm. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."

"Zendar, they won't have mercy on you, you'll die."

"I'd like to see them try to kill me, the list is endless with those who have failed."

The bounty hunter sighed heavily but argued no more as he opened large doors that lead to a court room. Chairs high above the ground level were full of demi's whose eyes followed my every movement as I entered the room.

Geayu was already present, standing freely in the center of the room. His eyes were serious as he took me in. It was clear he knew that I, Zendar was the one in charge and not the half brother he knew. Perhaps it was the difference in the way we carried ourselves, or simply the fact that he had been ratted out.

Kalon was knocked out on the floor, also having been apprehended in the raid that had happened within seconds of my confession. Jalin stood off to the side, her hands clenched in fists at her side.

"According to General Falosa's confession, you have been found guilty of harboring a fugitive and aiding in his criminal activity. In addition to this, we also found the immortal war criminal Kalon hiding out in the premises of your home. How do you plea, Geayu?" a woman demi who stood with green flowing hair at the top most seat declared.

"Guilty," Geayu answered simply.

"But we needed them! The demons are summoning a general!" Jalin cried, being pushed back by guards as she attempted to rush forward.

"Are you declaring that you too were involved in this ploy, Jalin? Should you also be put on trial?" the demi asked, her expression grim.

"Jalin was forced to help under the threat of her losing safety, she is a victim, not a criminal," Geayu declared, quickly defusing the situation.

"What are you going to do to Falosa?" Johnathan asked, stepping forward out of the crowd. "He's a duel soul. You're committing two beings to death for the crimes of one, that's wrong."

"It's clear the second is in league with the other, they are both deserving of this fate," the leading demi declared coldly.

"Zendar doesn't deserve to die for Falosa!" Johnathan protested. "You can't do this!"

She pointedly ignored him. "Geayu, for your crimes you are sentenced to death by hanging. Kalon and Falosa, as war criminals your fate is the same."

An explosion shook the room, causing chairs and structures to collapse, pinning the guards beneath it. Johnathan grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the room.

Jalin slung Kalon over her shoulder and grabbed Geayu. "That won't hold them for long. We can't go back to the house, what are we going to do now?"

"I know where we can go, we'll be safe," Johnathan stated as he held tightly to my arm. "I don't know why you decided this was the best course of action, Zendar. What did Falosa do?"

"He took everything from me," I said quietly. "I wanted to return the favor."

"Do you have any idea what poor of a decision that was?" Johnathan asked as he scooped me up in his arms and carried me. "You're such an idiot."

"Geayu and Falosa plotted against me to kill me then when I told Falosa to do what it took to save him from Lacey, he took revenge against me. I'd say this was earned," I spat bitterly.

"This was why I tried to get him not to go to Lacey. I know what work she does and it's wrong. I'm sorry I couldn't stop him." Johnathan's eyes grew watery. "I'm really sorry."

I looked away. I didn't want to feel anything anymore, much less the pity of a demi. Johnathan was too good for this world. I would do what it took to protect him from the asshole that Falosa was. He would likely cast him aside without second thought and leave him to die.

The bustling of the city disappeared as we fled into the forest beyond it. Leafs crunched underfoot as we ran far from the council of demis. They would follow soon, we had to get out of sight before that happened if we wanted to survive.

A small shack on the edge of a pond came into sight. Johnathan slowed and knocked a pattern on the door. One of his sisters that I recognized from his photos answered, her eyes wide and frightened. "What happened? You wouldn't be here if everything was alright."

"We were betrayed. Is it okay if we crash here for the night? We'll leave for my safe house tomorrow night," Johnathan declared softly.

"Yes, come in." She swung the door wide. "I'm Eliza, Johnathan's sister, I hope you all find it safe and comfortable here."

Geayu's reputation was ruined, all his money locked and hidden away. Everything Falosa had at an extension of his brother was gone.

I smiled as he came to the forefront. This was only the beginning. I would make him suffer for every day so long as he lived. Falosa would pay for what he had done.