Page 122 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

Michael glowed with the response to his surprise announcement.

Tetrys, looking somewhat deflated after Michael laid out his plan, presented the prosecution’s case first, calling Librarian to testify.

A thin man, wearing what Madeline thought of as a black toga, carried a huge leather-bound book when he approached the OC’s throne.

Tetrys said to Librarian, “Please read the law as it applies to Immortals freely giving their blood to a Leech.”

The OC rolled his eyes when the witness had difficulty standing and opening the evidently heavy book. He snapped his fingers, summoning a bookstand. Librarian rested the tome on it to read a passage which clearly stated that an Immortal was forbidden to feed a Blood Leech.

Pretty clear.

Michael asked only one question on his cross. “Where are the laws pertaining to mates?”

Librarian looked to the OC for an answer, but his boss’s expression was inscrutable, his face that of a marble Greek statue. The witness said, “I know of no laws pertaining to Immortal mates.”

“Because none exist or because none are recorded?”

Again, when the OC failed to give him direction, Librarian said, “I do not know.”

“Thank you.” Michael let a spark of light shine from his body but reined it in again with a twist of his lips.

The OC smirked.

Tetrys then called on Dom. Apparently, in this court, you couldn’t plead the fifth.

When asked, Dom said, “Yes. I gave Madeline my blood.”

“Did you know it was illegal to do so?” asked Tetrys.

“Yes.” His gaze swung from Tetrys to the OC. “Madeline is a human from Earth who was unaware of our laws. She should not be held responsible for my disobedience.”

Madeline jumped up, her fingers splayed on the table. “Not true. I did know. Dom told me.”

Michael pushed her into her chair while the OC pointed at her and drew a finger across his lips, zipping them. At the end of Dom’s testimony, Michael stated he would question the black-winged assassin later.

But Dom did not sit. Instead, he said, “OneCreator, I formally petition that you release Madeline.” Snapping his fingers, he produced a sheet of paper, which the OC teleported into his own hand. “I am the Immortal. I broke your law. As your subject, I alone should be deemed guilty.”

After reading the document, the OC angled his head toward Dom. “Your petition has merit.”

When Maddy tried to rise, Michael grasped her arm to restrain her.

The OC frowned, cautioning her to stay seated and quiet. “You know the law, assassin. You are aware that I enforce my laws, and you expect stasis or extinction as punishment.”

“True to all,” replied Dom.

Michael shot to his feet. “Hear the case before you judge.”

The OC rested an elbow on the arm of his chair. “Why should I do that? My assassin has confessed and is willing to accept punishment.”

Light blazed from Michael’s eyes. “Because true justice demands you hear me out. Even Dominion does not have all the facts.”

The OC smiled at his Bearer of Death. “Very well. Petition denied, my black-winged assassin. Gladly. I, too, am interested in following this case to its conclusion.”

When Dom growled and nearly leaped forward, Michael body-checked him. “Sit. The OC has ruled.”

The courtroom remained quiet for several moments. A dejected Dom slumped into his chair, Michael pressed his lips into a thin line, and Maddy twisted her hands in her lap, angry with her mate for the end-run.

Tetrys broke the silence by calling Madeline to testify. She admitted to biting Dom and drinking his blood, heaping blame on herself. “I forced him to feed me.”

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