Finally, all the preparations had been completed. Everyone had steeled themselves for that day; they knew the plan and part of what was about to happen.
Ash sat in the middle of the plaza, his expression calm. In his hands, he held the Pale Needle, which was stained with crimson blood that dripped slowly onto the white stone ground. The contrast between the vivid red and the pure white created an image that no Sleeper present would ever forget.
Raising his gaze, he sensed a human presence. A tall man, dressed in archaic armor with a severe expression, walked slowly toward him. Each step resonated with authority, like a drum announcing the arrival of the storm.
Ash knew the identity of that man. Everyone in the Dark City did: he was Tessai, one of the most powerful Sleepers under the command of the Brilliant Lord himself. Behind him, a dozen of his men, all bearing the insignia of a golden serpent embroidered on their tunics, formed an impenetrable wall of loyalty and strength.
---
"So you finally did it, Gambling Boy," said Tessai in a deep voice that echoed through the plaza.
The Sleepers who had begun to gather looked on in confusion at what was happening. Some whispered among themselves, others watched in silence, afraid to get involved.
Ash didn't flinch. With a calm that seemed supernatural, he replied:
"You must be Gunlaug's right hand. If I may ask... what are you referring to?"
As he spoke, he continued cleaning the long needle with a worn cloth, his expression indifferent as if he were discussing the weather.
"Are you trying to downplay your abominable crimes, murderer?" Tessai asked, narrowing his eyes.
Before Ash could respond, more footsteps were heard. Nephis, Caster, and Effie appeared from the east, moving with determination. Among the crowd of Sleepers, Sunny, Cassie, and Kai watched in silence, waiting for the signal.
"You must be Tessai," said Nephis, her voice sharp as a freshly honed blade. "What interest do you have in one of my subordinates?"
"You must be Changing Star," Tessai replied with a light, mocking bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, but my business isn't with you. So don't interfere."
"Any crime of my subordinates is my crime," Nephis retorted, crossing her arms. "So it is my responsibility. What is he accused of?"
The atmosphere grew tense, dense as the air before a storm. The Sleepers from Changing Star's side looked nervously at Gunlaug's men, who remained impassive, like statues in a forgotten temple.
Tessai flashed a toothed smile and spoke mockingly.
"Lord Gunlaug has invited that one," he pointed at Ash with a disdainful flick of his head, "to the castle, to face punishment for his crimes. You should have trained your dogs better, Changing Star. See what happens when they go around biting people?"
Beneath his hand, he flexed his shoulders, then looked at Nephis with a dark expression.
"Now I advise you, rats, to step aside and let me take that rat away."
Nephis didn't back down. She crossed her arms, looking at Tessai with cold, calculating, almost murderous eyes.
"...Or what?"
The atmosphere grew even tenser, if that was possible. Among the large group of onlookers, only a small handful remained calm. The others held their breath.
"What a revelation," said Tessai, feigning disappointment. "And here I thought you were a great defender of justice, isn't that right, Changing Star? Or is your sense of justice reserved only for the crimes of those who don't even serve you?"
He sighed disdainfully before continuing.
"That scout of yours is accused of murder. Why are you trying to stop me from bringing him to justice?"
"Accusing is not condemning," Nephis replied without flinching. "Why do you claim he is guilty?"
"There is much evidence. There are many witnesses. So many people came forward to testify... His guilt is undeniable. How will you respond to that, Changing Star?"
---
Ash watched the exchange in silence. Then, he sighed loudly.
Finally, he stood up from the large chunk of rock where he had been sitting. His movements were slow, deliberate, like those of an actor who had rehearsed every gesture a hundred times.
"It's alright," Ash said, capturing everyone's attention.
He walked a few steps toward Tessai, the Pale Needle now sheathed at his belt.
"I've been outside the city for several months, and as far as I know, I haven't committed a single murder."
He looked at Tessai with a calm gaze, but slowly, that calm was replaced by something much colder and more sinister. A chill ran through the nearest Sleepers.
"However, if I am accused of a crime, doesn't it seem fair that I prove my innocence through justice? After all, justice is the only law that differentiates us from the Beasts, isn't it?"
Tessai frowned. Something about Ash's words bothered him, though he couldn't pinpoint what.
"Nevertheless," Ash continued, raising his voice so everyone could hear him, "since I have been publicly accused, the only way I will be judged is if everyone is present. Surely your lord won't mind."
"Why do you think that request will be granted?" Tessai asked, his tone mixing irritation and caution.
"And why should I go see your lord for a crime I didn't commit?" Ash replied, winning the wordplay.
They stared at each other for a few tense seconds. The wind seemed to stop. Even the birds, if there had been any, would have fallen silent.
Finally, Tessai spoke.
"Fine. Whatever. Come with me to the castle, if you wish. Bring anyone who wants to go with you. Everyone will witness our lord's justice!"
Ash nodded with a slight tilt of his head. He walked toward Tessai, who bound his hands with a rope that Ash could break in less than an instant if he wished. But he didn't.
He remained impassive as he walked toward the Brilliant Castle, with Nephis close beside him. The Sleepers outside the castle marched behind them, murmuring among themselves, speculating about the fate of that handsome young man with the unsettling gaze.
After a few minutes, Ash observed the enormous doors of the castle, which opened with a creak that sounded like the groan of a dying giant.
He crossed the threshold.
Internally, he wore a wide smile.
His plan had begun.