The courtroom was deathly silent.
High Priest Rudy's eyes were wide, his lips parted but no words came out. The accusation had hit him like a physical blow.
The artefact's golden glow still lingered in the air, its divine light an irrefutable proclamation of truth.
He tried to speak, to conjure up a rebuttal, but the silence stretched, and in those precious moments, the mood of the room shifted entirely.
Whispers swelled like a rising tide. People leaned toward each other, their voices trembling with outrage and realization.
The once-revered High Priest was now the embodiment of betrayal. By the time Rudy found his voice, the jury and the public alike were already convinced.
The judge shifted uncomfortably on his seat, fingers drumming the armrest.
This was dangerous—arresting a High Priest could shake the very foundations of their faith.
Yet, leaving him free was even more dangerous. With a tight breath, he stood.
"Soldiers, seize him before it is too late."
