The Chains of Injustice

The **grand hall** was filled with **watchful eyes**, nobles and retainers gathered in **solemn anticipation**. Their whispers carried a mix of **pity, disgust, and cruel amusement**. This was not just a trial—it was **a public execution of dignity**. 

At the head of the hall, sitting on an **ornate throne**, was **Nikolas Nelson**, the **head of the powerful Nelson family**. His cold, calculating gaze rested upon the lone figure in chains at the center of the room. 

Standing beside him was **Frank Gilbert**, his expression twisted in rage and disappointment. Beside Frank stood **Mili Gilbert**, her face a mask of sorrow—though not for her son. **Riya Nelson**, Nikolas's daughter, stood near them, her **swollen red eyes** painting a picture of a **helpless, betrayed woman**. To an outsider, she seemed like a **poor victim**—but George knew better. 

And then, there was **him**. 

**George Gilbert.** 

Bound in **heavy chains**, standing alone, his once-proud **blue eyes now dull**, but not broken. 

Yet, in the midst of this grim assembly, one presence stood out—the man seated beside Nikolas. 

**Fifth Prince Leon Drawen.** 

His presence had puzzled everyone. What interest did **a royal prince** have in this trial? 

The atmosphere was heavy, **tension suffocating the air**. 

Nikolas leaned forward, his voice filled with **venomous contempt**. 

**"George, what you have done… only a beast is capable of such an act."** 

The words slithered into the silence, their weight pressing down on the room. 

**"You have disgraced your family name. You tried to force yourself on my daughter—despite knowing that Nikki cannot even walk. And still, you dare to stand here, breathing?"** 

The room fell **deathly silent**. 

But George… 

George **wasn't even listening.** 

His **eyes** weren't on Nikolas. 

They were on **his parents**. 

On the faces that **once held pride and love for him**. 

Now, all he saw was **disgust. Disappointment. Betrayal.** 

His father, the man who had once lifted him up as a child, now looked at him as if he were **filth**. 

His mother, who had once embraced him, now stood **silent, indifferent**. 

Even **Mathew, his Elder brother**, stood with a gaze filled with nothing but **hatred**. 

Nikolas noticed George's **lack of reaction** and felt **his blood boil**. 

His voice **exploded** through the hall— 

**"DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY?!"** 

For a moment, the world stood still. 

Then, slowly… 

George smiled. 

**"I did nothing wrong."** 

The simple words sent a **wave of rage** crashing through the room. 

Frank Gilbert stepped forward, his face twisting in fury. 

**"You ungrateful BEAST!"** he roared. **"You still have the gall to deny it?! You are NOT my son! You have ruined our family's name!"** 

But George… 

George's smile only deepened. 

Because **he knew.** 

**Mike was right.** 

Everything was playing out just as he had predicted. 

Nikolas raised a hand, signaling Frank to stop. His voice turned **icy**, filled with **calculated cruelty**. 

**"George, for what you have done, you will be given such a punishment that no one will ever dare to even THINK of committing such a crime again."** 

He was about to continue when— 

**A deep, chilling laughter echoed through the hall.** 

**"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"** 

The sound **cut through the air like a blade**, silencing the crowd. 

A **wave of unease** rippled through the nobles. 

Who dared to **laugh** in this situation? 

A **shadow moved** at the entrance. 

A **figure stepped inside.** 

Crimson hair. **Golden eyes** that glowed with an **unnatural brilliance**. 

The moment **Nikolas's eyes landed on him**, his expression **darkened in shock**. 

Because he **knew**. 

This man **should not be here.** 

The **heir of the Blake family.** 

**Klaus Blake.** 

Nikolas forcibly calmed his **agitated heart**, masking his emotions as he spoke. 

**"What is the meaning of this, heir Blake?"** 

Klaus chuckled, his voice laced with **mockery**. 

**"The meaning is quite simple,"** he said, taking slow, deliberate steps forward. **"I'm here for my friend."** 

**Shock.** 

The entire room **froze.** 

Klaus Blake… 

**Was here for a friend?** 

But who? 

Every noble present exchanged uneasy glances. **Riya's face paled**, and so did **the Fifth Prince's**. 

Because suddenly— 

Things **weren't going as planned.** 

Klaus reached the center of the room, standing directly before **George**. 

His expression was unreadable as he turned to his subordinate. 

**"Break his chains."** 

The guards hesitated. 

Nikolas's expression hardened. **"Klaus, you do not have the authority to—"** 

*CRACK!* 

Before he could finish, the **chains shattered**. 

The sound **echoed** through the hall, sending a chill down the spines of everyone present. 

The moment George was freed, his **legs gave out**, his body collapsing forward. 

But before he could fall— 

**A hand caught him.** 

Warm, steady, **unshakable.** 

Klaus held him upright, his grip firm yet controlled. 

From his coat, he retrieved a **small, shimmering vial** and pressed it against George's lips. 

**"Drink."** 

Too weak to resist, George swallowed. 

The moment the liquid slid down his throat, a **warmth** spread through his veins. 

His wounds **closed at an unnatural speed**, strength **rushing back** into his limbs. 

George blinked, staring up at Klaus. 

His mind **swirled with confusion.** 

**Why?** 

**Why was this man helping him?** 

**Why was he calling him a friend?** 

He didn't even **know** him. 

And yet… 

For the first time, George felt **something he had lost.** 

Not just his **freedom.** 

Not just his **dignity.** 

But something **deeper.** 

And at that moment— 

His heart **submitted** to Klaus Blake.