Judas Cradle Novels & Stories

She smiled right back! She turned back to the mic and continued singing with the second stanza. Then the chorus, then another stanza, then chorus, then chorus, then her voice came low and she was done. A thunderous clap echoed around the room and Kaylee's face became teary. She thanked them with a bow and Kavinsky came to stand by her side. "Kaylee and Kavinsky, right?", one of the judges asked. Apparently, he was the music teacher. "Yes, sir", Kavinsky replied politely.

My blood core had been compromised long before tonight. The Elysium was packed. A recorder near the entrance held a crystal orb pulsing with pale light — this trial was being broadcast live to every Covenant territory on the continent. I understood then that this wasn't justice. This was theater. Cael broke through the crowd and grabbed my sleeve with both hands. "Why won't you tell us?" His voice cracked down the middle. "I've waited ten years. Every night I dream about her. She's calling for justice and you just—" He couldn't finish. He pressed his face against my arm.