The Vote

The judge made a swift motion with his large hand, urging the courtroom to come back to order, and addressed Altair in a serious voice,

"This is indeed a concrete piece of evidence, Revered Altair. However, given young Lord Ashter's reputation, one cannot dismiss the possibility that the opium pipe might have been planted at the scene to frame him for Lady Rosalie's abduction. After all, Lord Raphael had no motive to commit such a crime."

The judge's words pierced Damien's heart with a painful spear of frustration. He furrowed his perfectly-shaped black eyebrows and rushed to interject, his voice acquiring a loud, almost menacing tone,