Getting Justice

Zen:- Lucas, she is safe here. You don't need to hold onto her that tight. Or is it something else, huh? (he teased him with a grin)

Lucas:- Shut up Zen. It's not like that. I'm just worried about her. That vampire sucked her blood. As a friend am I not supposed to worry about her? She once saved my life too. I'm just returning her favor. (He spoke as his expression darkened. His jaw clenched in frustration. He growled as he replied.)

Caspian:- But we can see something is a little different. (He also teased Lucas with a smirk as sat on his carriage seat with crossed legs.)

Lucas:-It's nothing. You guys are just exaggerating things. Please also don't speak about it. Nora would be upset if she heard these things. I just want to be a good friend to her. (He remained stoic. His face hardened.)

They stopped after hearing these. Lucas slowly glided his fingers over her wound in neck as he used his healing powers on her. Her wound healed but she remained asleep. 

That day they returned to the grand duke's castle and Lucas escorted Nora to her room. He laid her to her bed. He took a glance at her before departing from her chamber. Caspian sent a maid over to her to look after her. Meanwhile Nora regained her consciousness. 

She found herself back in the chamber where she resides in the Duke's castle. She touched her neck as she remembered the incident but to her surprise the wound was all healed. Then she heard a soft knock at the door. 

Nora:- Come in. (She replied slowly as she leaned on the bed. A maid entered the room with a soft smile.)

Agatha:- My lady, I'm Agatha. His grace sent me to tend to your needs. Do you need anything such as Tea or a massage or anything? (She said with a bow.)

Nora:- Thank you, Agatha. A warm bath would be lovely. After the bath maybe a cup of warm tea? (She said with a calm look.)

Agatha:- Sure, my lady. (She left her room to prepare her bath.)

On the other hand, upon their return Mika and sir Aiden came to them to ensure their safety. They asked them the reason for their delay as Zen explained the situation they were in. 

As the sun spread its warm light the next morning, the court for the vampire group set. The courtroom of the grand duchy was filled with many people from all statuses as it was a reminder for all vampires out there. The judge of this court is the duke himself. Lucas, Zen and Nora all were in attendance. Caspian's words echo the walls of the courtroom as he spoke sternly.

Caspian:- You have been found guilty of the crime of bloodlust. You broke the law of a citizen of this empire. Your actions have caused harm toward the victims and you all must be punished. I, myself, witnessed the scene. Your illegal way of clearing your bloodlust must not go unpunished. It shall work as a reminder toward the vampire that we live in a mixed culture. This type of action won't go unpunished.

His words made the audience silent as they awaited his final sentence.

Caspian:- As per rule, the damage to the victim was little. So you all are safe from being imprisoned or sentenced to death. However, you must pay an amount to compensate for them. You all must pay 1000 gold for your crime.

They all nodded in unison as they digested their punishment. They left a sigh of relief as they narrowly escaped being imprisoned. Caspian added,

Caspian:- It must serve as a message to everyone. Law is law. No crime will go unnoticed. Justice is swift and merciless.

The trial closed as they paid their compensation but they held a grudge against the trio. They looked at them as their eyes were filled with rage. They didn't like the humiliation they faced. But they didn't dare to make further fuss with them there. They left without uttering a word.

Two days later, Nora joined Lucas and Zen in training. Two days of rest helped her body to return to her past strength. Sir Aiden looked after them as they trained under him. He led the group through a lot of exercises and positions to use their power to its best and to improve their agility, strength and focus.

Meanwhile Zen struggled to master the "Lightning Redirection". His brow furrowed in frustration. He took a deep breath to return his concentration as focused back.

Sir Aiden:- Do it again, Zen! (Sir Aiden called out, his voice filled with strictness yet encouraging.) You're close, but you need to focus on using power correctly. Remember Zen, It's not just about speed and power. Spiritual power is all about your mindset and control over yourself.

Zen nodded as he was inspired by his words. He took a deep breath again with determination. His movements were fluid, yet precise, as he attempted to redirect the lightning-fast strikes. But despite his best efforts, Zen still struggled to master the technique. He succeeded in using it a little but too little to call it a success. 

He sat on the ground with a heavy heart. But Sir Aiden kept on his hand on Zen's shoulder and patted him.

Sir Aiden:- It's okay Zen. Don't be frustrated. Success doesn't come easily. At least you managed to do it a little. It means you can improve in the future.

Zen nodded gratefully, his eyes shining with determination. 

Zen:- I won't give up, Sir. I will keep your words in mind and try more in future. (He said as he gripped his sword's handle.)

With that they called it a day and returned to their quarters. The next few days passed as they trained hard for the competition. Sir Aiden did his best to teach them as much as he could in those short times.

To Be Continued

**Khadiza Jahan**