Sounds of murmuring quietly can be heard in the silent room, undiscernable by those far away even amongst the neighboring seats as they whispered in hushed silence even to their partner.
The subject of their conversation is sitting in front of them, facing everyone, both victims and secondary victims, her head down in submission as she awaits her judgment which has left her with little to no escape, no leeway for her to get out of even with the fact that in doing so would incur her family's retaliation the moment is it executed.
She should have seen this coming the moment she accepted that proposal, but she didn't doubt it for a second when she heard it, after all how could she refuse such an offer that could help change her life?
The sound of gravel slamming loudly startled her, signaling her and everyone else to return their attention to the highest table in the room where the Judge is sitting on having come back from the back of the room where they had discussed on her punishment with the other members of the Courthouse.
"After some discussion we of the Justice system has come to a decision on the punishment of Laura Bernard, perpetrator of the Academy's Rebellion, and Designated Target of the System. Her punishment shall be--"
Laura closed her eyes in fear despite knowing the likely outcome of her actions, but the sheer dread and magnitude of her repercussions were too overwhelming for her to readily accept it with a straight face or facing it with a calm gaze without flinching away.
"Objection!"
Someone shouted.