The courtroom smelled of old wood and tension.
Gian Kayne walked in, handcuffed but upright. Every eye in the room followed him. Cameras clicked, reporters whispered, and outside, the city watched on every screen.
He could feel the weight of the accusation pressing down on him. Rooftop ambush… sniper… red letter… thug's warning… every step had led to this moment.
The judge banged the gavel. "This session is now in order."
The prosecutor, sharp in a dark suit, stood. "Gian Kayne, you stand accused of a heinous crime. The victim has come forward, and evidence will show…"
Gian's jaw tightened. Every word was a knife. He had protected the city, saved lives, and now… he was labeled a monster.
His lawyer whispered, "Stay calm, Gian. Let me handle the words."
Gian nodded slightly, but his eyes never left the prosecutor.
The first witness stepped forward—the woman who had accused him. Her voice was steady, confident. She described the incident, painting a picture of Gian as a predator, twisting memories, ignoring the truth he knew.
Some jurors leaned forward; others shifted uncomfortably. The room was silent, except for her voice and the faint hum of cameras.
Gian stayed still. He didn't shout, didn't argue. He watched, observed. Every word she said, every reaction in the room… it was a puzzle.
Then the prosecutor smiled. "The evidence will speak for itself."
They presented photos, videos, and documents—twisting his heroics into something sinister. Gian felt the walls closing in. Even the city outside, through live broadcast, was judging him.
Rico appeared in the back row of the courtroom, his face pale, hands trembling. He whispered, "Boss… just stay strong. I'm here."
Gian gave him a small nod. He couldn't let panic take over. Not now. Not ever.
When the witness finished, Gian's lawyer began his defense. He questioned credibility, pointed out inconsistencies. But the prosecutor countered quickly. Every move was calculated, every word designed to crush Gian's reputation.
The black-robed man was nowhere in sight, yet Gian felt the pressure—like someone was pulling strings from the shadows, controlling the chaos around him.
The session ended. The gavel hit again. "Court is adjourned for today."
Gian walked out of the courtroom, chains clinking with every step. Outside, the city roared. Some cheered his name. Some screamed for justice.
Gian looked at Rico. "This is only the beginning," he said softly. "If I survive this… I will find the truth behind all of it."
And as the van took him back to the holding cell, Gian Kayne knew: the Demon Angel had not fallen yet—but the storm was just beginning.