Cruel Laughter [Sequel To "Because He Lived."]

{Chapter 9} The Verdict

My mind raced a million miles an hour, thinking of all the possibilities. Anything could happen. I could be executed, sentenced to life in the jail, or even exiled. My mind was full of worry, and I could barely think straight. Even with Alexanders reassurance, I couldn't shake the fear that was overwhelming me.

Alexander and I walked to the big house on the hill: my parents' house. My head was down, and Alexanders hand was pressed to my back, gently pushing me forward. He was mumbling incoherent words, and his eyes were darting all around.

"Alexander, calm down." His gaze shot towards me, and he frowned a little. "I'll be fine."

He shook his head and stopped pushing me forward. "Look, James. I'm worried that whatever they do to you, is going to harm you. I'm worried about you."

I smiled and chuckled, "How sweet." Alexanders faces flushed red, and he looked away from me. My smile fell, and I continued. "But you don't need to worry, whatever punishment I get, I deserve it."

He shook his head again. "James, you don't deserve anything. It's not-"

I cut him off, "I almost killed my family--the people that raised me. I deserve this."

"But-"

"I deserve this." Whatever argument Alexander had ready next, wasn't enough, because he stopped, placed a hand on my back and continued to push me forward.

We walked in silence for the rest of the walk until we reached the house. When we arrived at the house, everyone was there waiting for us. Alexanders fathers, Dante, and his wife--whose name I couldn't remember--the guard that brought me in the other day, the kids that used to torture me. My father stood at the head of the group, his arms crossed in a menacing manner. He stepped forward when he saw me, dropping both his real arm and his fake one to the side. I couldn't tell what made up his fake one yet, his sleeve was covering it, and a glove covered the hand. His other hand, however, was visible, and he wore a ring. His wedding ring. Alexander removed his hand from my back and stepped away from me, standing next to his parents. I glanced at him, and he flashed me a reassuring smile. I gave him a small smile back and followed me father, who motioned for me to go inside.

He opened the door for me, letting me in before him. He followed after, slamming the door shut and stopping anyone else from getting in. 

Inside waiting was everyone else. My mother, who was sitting in a wheelchair. My sister, who was standing there, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. Next to her stood Zane, his expression was impassive. They were the only people in the room, I assumed Zane would be the one to decide what would happen to me.

My father led me over to the table and motioned for me to sit down, so I did.

Zane was the one to break the tense silence. "All right. We're going to start now." Everyone nodded their heads, including me. "James Lycan, you are being charged with: attempted murder, assault, and," he paused for a moment, and the tension in the room grew. I knew exactly what he was going to say. "Murder." 

"Since the village of Phoenix Drop does not have any laws prohibiting possession of weapons, you will not be charged for that." I breathed a sigh of relief, and slumped down in my chair, waiting for the rest of what Zane had to say. "With all the charges, the verdict that we have reached is... one year of imprisonment and then, after that one year is completed... execution." Everyone's eyes widened, taking in news, and trying to process it. Lilith decided to look at me, her eyes boring in.