Page 127 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

Indigo swaggered toward a seat beside Ohngel in the audience, the hem of her patterned skirt swishing on the floor, her bracelets tinkling as they bumped each other.

The OC cocked his head to the side. “Let me get this straight, Michael. If breaking one of my laws solves a problem, then disobeying me is okay? Is that the gist of your argument?”

“Not quite, since I’ve claimed the defendant is not and has not been a Scourge. But in part, yes. Be patient. I’m getting there.”

“Get there faster. The gods and goddesses are throwing a party tonight. I want to show up and bust a few dance moves.” The OneCreator shifted in his throne, looking recovered from his previous out-of-control behavior.

“I call Indigo’s brother, Alarik, to testify. He’s a mage mix with solid knowledge about bludfrenzy.”

Tetrys rose. “What is all this talk about bludfrenzy? The female on trial with Dom is not an Aeternal vampire.”

Michael twisted his body toward the prosecutor. “She also isn’t a Scourge.”

The OC waved his hand. “Okay. Enough drama. I’m interested, Tetrys. So, continue, Michael.”

Alarik strode into the court, quite official in a long dark robe. He nodded to the OC.

“Give us your credentials, please.” Michael stood beside his witness.

Alarik cleared his throat. “I am the director of the Ministry of Well Being on Scath. On my realm, I am an accredited healer.”

“Why, among vampires, does feeding from a mate alter blood cravings?” asked Michael.

“Scientists working for me have studied this effect. According to their research, the brains of mated vampires undergo a chemical change. That alteration moderates the violent desire for blood.”

Michael spoke directly to the OC. “That seems to be what happened to Madeline once she fed from Dominion, your black-winged assassin.” He glanced at Tetrys. “Even though she isn’t an Aeternal.”

“Alarik, have you examined the human?” asked the OC.

“Yes.”

“Did you find a chemical change?”

“My examination was inconclusive because I had not examined her prior to the bloodtaking.”

“So, Michael, Alarik’s testimony, though interesting, is meaningless. He cannot prove Madeline underwent a chemical change. Besides, once again, I ask if a positive outcome means my laws may be broken?”

“Bear with me. Alarik’s testimony will help build a foundation for my next argument.”

Like the audience, Dom was interested in where Michael was going. But his defense was interrupted when the OC recessed the proceedings for the day.

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