My hands were cuffed in golden shackles, and the wretched metal cut deep into my wrists. My red skin was splashed with dark brown bruises already.

I had a strange feeling of déjà vu.

Unfortunately, this time, my situation was worse. I wasn't just caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. I would pay for the crime I committed─murder and a breach of the Peace Treaty. Even knowing that Melkyal would defend me, my chances of survival were extremely slim right now.

There's always a way out for you, said the voice in my head. I gritted my teeth. It was true, yet I was still reluctant to consider it, even knowing my precarious situation.

„Get a move on." An Angel of Courage escorting me shoved me forward, and I tripped but managed to keep my balance.

"Touch me again, and I'll bite off your hand," I hissed, baring my teeth.

It was just an empty threat, and we both knew it. The golden chains were dampening my strength, and there was no way for me to use my power unless I wanted to go all out. But it would be no turning back after it.

Just make up your mind. It's getting tedious, growled the voice, but I ignored it.

As we approached the city's centre, thousands of voices could be heard. The streets were unprecedently busy, and all people seemed to be going in the same direction we did. Not many public trials were held here. It happened only several times since I arrived, and each instance was a prosecution against the most hated and notorious criminals.

And now, everyone was rushing to see me being judged and executed.

Even the armoured unit of Angels of Courage had difficulty getting through the busy crowd at the edge of the main market. The leading soldier realised shouting commands to the civilians was futile, so he instructed his subordinates to use shafts of their weapons to push stubborn people aside.

Like cattle. That's what mortals were to them.

After a couple of arguments and a few bloodied noses, we finally broke the throng and entered the plaza. I stared around in awe as it was transformed completely. Gone were the stalls of regular vendors and little makeshift carts always full of food.

At the one end of the marketplace, a purple awning was stretched over the rows of comfortable-looking chairs and benches, hiding them from unforgiving rays of the scorching sun. The place was full of people wearing fancy dresses, expensive robes, and doublets. Modestly dressed servants walked among them, serving little bits of finger food and pouring wine or other beverages.

I scoffed. The nobles could turn everything into a party.

A little bit away from them, still conveniently shaded, a row of sturdy desks was elevated. Most of the smaller ones were occupied by scribes, either humans or angels. They were all rushing around comparing their notes on parchments. The central place─the sturdy throne-like chair, was still empty, though, no doubt waiting for the Archangel of Wisdom to arrive.

My escort pushed me into the caged stand in the middle of the market. The bars weren't even necessary. Being shackled in the holy chains was enough to make me weak.

But it was all a big show.

When the door to my new cage closed with a loud clung, I took another good look around. The rest of the people were standing around the plaza. Some used crates and benches to get a better glimpse of the spectacle. I scanned the crowd for familiar faces and found a few. Some I knew, people I had previously had business with, a couple of demons under the glamours.

Most of them looked more curious than angry. If it were Khaneus' trial, the situation would look differently. He murdered ordinary people and made them fear venturing into the street at night. But I was accused of killing a noble and the one with a bad reputation among the regular people. They didn't hate me.

At least not yet.

Thinking about the sorcerer reminded me he was supposed to be here too. We were supposed to be executed together, both traitors to the city. I saw him when angels hauled him from his cage just before they got to me, but I haven't seen him since. Clearly, I was the main attraction to entertain the crowds today.

I shaded my eyes, looking over at the other end of the plaza, where numerous Angels of Courage stood at attention, their weapons at ready. I could see a figure in shackles behind them, hunched over with a hood over their head. It must have been Khaneus. It was wise to keep him out of sight just yet, in case the crowd got too excited seeing the serial killer apprehended. But the fact that he could stand on his own meant his senses were coming back. I thought that whoever had poisoned him would silence him permanently. Curious. 

I raised my shackled hands to wipe out the sweat from my face. The sun in its zenith was merciless, burning my skin and stinging my eyes. It was not something that could harm me, but being drenched in your own sweat was annoying. I hoped I could get some respite, but the sky was the most transparent blue without clouds. I sighed. I almost wished they'd get on with this and finish me off.

Don't even joke like that. Let's get out of this flimsy cage now. Why wait?

Melkyal promised he would get me out. I believe in him.

A scoff echoed in my head. You are such a fool. Even if Golden Boy sincerely wants to help us, he still doesn't have the authority to do so. He can try all he wants, but we both know it is not a trial but a set-up.

Just wait and see what happens.

The consciousness stirred impatiently inside me, clawing around, trying to find a way out, but I pushed it down again with a low growl. It was not the time yet.

Someone cleared his throat right next to me, and I jumped, startled. Anauel stood next to my cage with a shy smile on her beautiful face. She held a bundle of dark fabric that she offered me.

"Take this and put it on your head. The sun is intense today. If you stay here for long, you might get dizzy and faint."

I accepted the gift, which appeared to be a wide shawl. I draped it over my head and shoulders. It didn't make me feel much better, but it was something. And the gesture itself was lovely. Anauel also handed me the waterskin; cold water tasted like ambrosia on my parched lips.

"Thank you, Anauel. I'm glad there are still some real angels around here," I said, returning the pouch to her.

Her face flushed, and she murmured, "Think nothing of it. I'm sorry they treat you this way."

Before I could reply, she was called away by another annoyed angel. I sighed and pulled an improvised hood lower over my face.

A sudden commotion on the other side of the plaza could only mean one thing.

Omael, the Archangel of Wisdom, arrived.

Everyone could feel the shift in the air when he entered the marketplace, even if glamour covered most of his angelic features. With his confident stride, the aura of power and authority around him made all conversation die down, and people turned to him, waiting to hear his wise words.

And Melkyal was nowhere to be seen.

I told you he lied. He already gave up on you.

"Shut it," I hissed.

Omael took his place behind the desk and waved impatiently at servants refusing offered drinks. He grabbed a gavel and brought it down firmly three times. "Quiet down, please. I'm hereby opening the trial of Sannarah, servant of the Fallen One. Please read the charges."

One of the human clerks got up and rolled out the parchment.

"Sannarah is accused of murdering Raphael Gallagher in his residence on the third day of Harvest Season. The body went missing and was only found a couple of days ago. It is believed that he died an excruciating death from its poor state, and his mortal remains were barbarically desecrated." The man finished reading and sat back down.

The crowd erupted with gasps and whispers.

"That's outrageous!" shouted a nobleman, probably one of the Gallaghers. "This monster has to be put down immediately!" The others joined him, provoking more clamour.

Omael smashed the gavel at the desk.

"Silence, please." He turned to me, his lavender eyes trying to burn holes in my skull. "Does the accused deny the charges?"

I straightened my back. "No, I do not."

Omael smirked. "Then I think the situation is clear to everyone. Killing a mortal by the servant of the Fallen God is a direct breach of the Peace Treaty, and the penalty is death."

"Wait!" a voice broke the silence before the gavel could hit the desk again.

My heart skipped a beat. Melkyal made it.

"You are late," grumbled Omael, frowning his silver brows, but he put the gavel down.

The crowd made way for Melkyal. His face was flushed, and sweat pearled on his forehead as if he was in a great rush to get here. But what I saw behind him sent my heart racing even more. Ina was walking with Milla, holding on to her arm for courage. She was pale but smiled when she looked at me, even though she must have been extremely anxious.

And after them walked so many people. Some of them I recognised as other victims of Gallagher, while others were my friends and acquaintances I made over the years. Malkyal gathered them all here to speak for me.

I blinked away tears filling my eyes. I didn't expect to see so many of them, but I was grateful. I raised my shackled hands and touched my forehead, making a sign of thanks.

"The defendant is guilty of murder, but we cannot overlook the circumstances that led to it," Melkyal said, addressing the gathered crowd. He strolled towards me, his armour shining in the sun, the shadow of his golden wings hidden by glamour majestically adorning his back. He put a hand on the bars of my cage and smiled at me so beautifully that I almost believed everything would be well.

I wanted to believe.

"I gathered witnesses that will tell you the story of what happened in detail, that many of you would probably prefer not to hear. But to make sure this trial is just," he looked defiantly at Omael, "we need to listen to all sides, not just the prosecutors."

"That's preposterous!" shouted a chubby nobleman, raising from his chair. The wine sloshed out of his crystal glass from the rapid movement, spilling on his hand. "This creature killed a member of my family! No matter what the band of rugged beggars says, I will have her head!"

Screams of protest erupted at that proclamation. The nobles might rule the city, but they were a minority when it came to numbers, and it was not wise to antagonise the mob that could easily crush you if it got unhinged. Some of Gallagher's companions must have realised that because they gently but firmly dragged him back to his seat while the High Judge bashed his gavel down repeatedly to silence angry people.

"Keep your voices down, or I will have you removed," the Archangel of Wisdom threatened in a cold voice. The unit of Angels of Courage stepped in front of the crowd with hands on their weapons.

The crowd slowly calmed down, though they still gave the nobles hateful glares.

"This is a trial, not a circus," Omael continued. "We will listen to all the witnesses you gathered, Melkyal, but bear in mind that no matter what sad story you're trying to pull here, I will still judge the crime according to our laws."

Melkyal bowed his head slightly. "That's all I ask for, sir. Once you hear all the witnesses' statements, you will have a clearer vision of what transpired that day, and you can make your judgement accordingly."

"Fine, proceed," the High Judge grumbled, tapping his fingers impatiently on his desk.

I watched as all Gallagher's victims came to sand in front of the imposing desk and gave their statements. The stories were horrifying and heartbreaking, painting the man I murdered as the monster he was. Often, Omael had to silence the crowd, and a few times, Angels of Courage had to escort some people away from the plaza because of the threats they spit at the nobles, who still sat in the comfort of their shaded oasis.

When Ina's turn came, my heart clenched painfully. She trembled so severely it was a miracle she was still standing. She hid her face under the hood, but the High Judge demanded to see her face. As expected, people gaped at her and whispered with awe or disgust once her cover was down.

I tightened my fist on the bars, wishing I could go out there and silence all those foolish mortals. But despite hateful gazes, Ina stood tall and focused her attention on the Archangel. Even though her voice was quiet and her sentences were short and clipped, she did manage to convey the main points of what happened.

I had to give it to the Archangel of Wisdom that he was patiently listening to all the witnesses, not rushing anyone, only nodding and waving to his scribes to note down one thing of the other. Though seeing his cold lavender eyes, I felt that none of it would matter in the end.

"I think we've heard enough from the victims already," Omael said when Melkyal picked another young man from the gathered witnesses. "We better understand what kind of man Raphael Gallagher was. Do you have witnesses who can add anything new to this case?"

"Yes, sir. I have also gathered people who can tell you more about the defendant's character as an upstanding citizen of this city who works tirelessly for the betterment of people in the poorer districts."

I was sure Omael would roll his eyes at that, but he only sighed and waved his hand to let Melkyal know he could proceed. Milla took central place and told everyone about her work and how I supported her all those years trying to keep the kids safe and off the streets.

Then more people came, most of them I met through Milla, and we helped each other in hard times. But seeing them all here, willing to speak up in my defence, made my eyes tear up. A warmth spread through my chest at the thought that I made a place for myself here, in the Human Realm, despite being a demon.

But at the same time, I had a strong premonition that I was reaching the end of my journey. All I built for all those years would be taken away because I was just a pawn in the game played by the mad gods, who didn't care for any of us.

My heart raced, and my breath hitched in my throat. The voices became distant, and I was spiralling down inside myself.

It's time, the voice said. It was excited and full of anticipation. Let me out, and I'll finish it all. They have no right to judge us. They don't care for our reasons. If you don't act now, they will execute us.

I wanted to protest, but, deep down, I knew the voice was right, and we were delaying the inevitable. There was no salvation for someone like me...

I felt a soft touch on my hand, and my consciousness was snapped back to here and now. My inner demon hissed furiously and stirred.

Melkyal had his hand on mine and gave me a reassuring smile. "It won't be long now. Hold on." He was a light that pierced the darkness of my desperation every time I slipped. A simple touch and trust in me were enough to make me want to keep fighting, even though I knew all odds were against me.

I smiled weakly. "Just a little bit longer."