Second Nature

Blake’s P.O.V

“It’s time Miss Darling.” The young girl who was sent to escort me to my hearing in front of the council spoke softly. It had been two months since I was in hospital, I had made a full recovery, but sadly the baby had not. The blood donated fought against her own causing her just to slip away peacefully in her sleep. No pain. Frank had been distraught, whereas, I, I felt slightly relieved. Some may call it selfish, some may call it cruel; but when you are facing the issue of if you are about to be killed or imprisioned then it would have just made it a lot harder for all those involved. Also, the longer Linda is on the board with her double dealings the more chance there is of a surge in rebellion, a full blown war and that would mean my daughter would have been the first target – and I wouldn’t be there to protect her. But, with all that said I still couldn’t hide the fact that I was deeply hurt and my hatred for Linda proved only to grow. Had she not planned this, then none of this would have happened. Frank would not have had to face any of this pain.

“How are you feeling?” The young girl asked as we made our way down the corridor leading up towards the barred box that would be holding me until it was all over. I just shrugged in response, no words for how I was feeling. “All rise” spoke one of the youngers as everyone stood, council people walking in and taking their respected seats. I felt myself snarl as I saw Linda sit down, a small smirk on her lips. I looked around and that’s when I saw them – Anna and Gerard sat there, an empty seat where Frank should have been sat. I frowned slightly wondering where he was and why today of all days he decided to respect my wishes of him to stay away.

“Hearing of Miss Blake Darling. Half-Blood, unknown parentage, the ability to stop time and a glitch.” Spoke a young man reading my file.
“I don’t stop time.” I spoke out, “I slow time right down. Stopping time would be pointless, slowing time down means I can manipulate movable objects.” I stared at the table seating all the peers. The young man staring at me with an awkward look on his face.
“Now is not the time for your mouthing off Miss Darling. May I remind you that you are here for us to determine your fate. If I was you then I would be doing everything not to annoy the board.” Linda spoke smirking and nodding to the young guy.
“Charges include 39 counts of murder, threatening of multiple peers, attempted murder of Eighth Member Frank Iero.” I looked down, wow they were charging me for the attempted murder of him when I took 2 bullets to protect him!
“An impressive list Miss Darling. Do you have anything to say for yourself?” An older looking gentleman spoke out, staring over at the box where I was.
“I’m not going to justify my killings, you all know my file, you all have made your mind up already. In fact I bet most of you have been influenced but I suppose I shouldn’t really comment on that.” I looked at them all, some of them looking confused, some looking royally angry. “All I will say is, where I did kill, I also saved lives to. Even some of yours, but, of course they remain secret. You may think me dirty for the crimes I have committed, you may think yourselves above me. Note this; there is an imposter on your board, one of the most trusted has been playing you all like a bloody big game of chess, so no matter what you chose for me, the threat will always be there, the double dealing and the mistrust will always remain and that wont end with me.” I smirked, as there was stirring amongst the crowd, the peers looking at each other.

“Silence!” Linda shouted finally, “we will take our votes.” She stared right at me as she carried on speaking, “All those in favour of imprisionment with no chance of realise and duties to the council, raise your hands.” There was about 15 who raised their hands. “All those in favour of release with no further action, raise your hands.” About 12 raised theirs. “All those in favour of death with immediate effect raise your hands now.” The 15 other peers raised their hands, of course including Linda. “In this case we will break to discuss your future Miss Darling. You will be expected to stay here until further instructed. Please try not to shoot your mouth of anymore.” She spat out just as the whole rooms attention turned to the big wooden doors that had been swung open.
“No need to break.” Frank spoke walking down the centre of the seating area, as all those younger than him rose from their seats out of a sign of respect.
“Frank, sweetie what are you doing?” Linda spoke quietly staring intently at him, his father doing the same.
“There’s someone’s vote who hasn’t been counted just yet.” He glared up at his mother, as the mumbling amongst the crowd began again.
“No darling, everybody is here see.” Linda motioned to all the filled seats on the board.
“Hello Linda.” A very unfamiliar voice came from the door, Frank had just come through. There were gasps coming from all sides of the room as the clicking of heels on the wooden floor sounded out. “Forget about me did you?” She smirked as she turned to face the crowd, stood straight in front of the council table. “In case none of you know, or recognise me, I am Juliet Birch.” The older looking lady spoke out smirking as everyone began to talk.

Notes