<h4>Chapter 149: The Court Case XII</h4>


    The murmurs in the council hall swirled like a restless wind, a cacophony of intrigue and unease. Tension hung thick in the air, nearly palpable, as whispers of doubt danced around the room.


    "Do you think Kendra’s father is that evil man, Morgan?" A voice trembled from the back. "Do you think he will be allowed to step in here?"


    "I’d flee if it was him! That man is a monster!" Another voice replied, paning their words, underlying fear threading through their tone.


    "Come on! Don’t be ridiculous! Athena wouldn’t put our lives at risk just to prove a point," Someone else tried to pacify the gathering, but their uncertainty undermined the assurance of their words.


    In conclusion, no one wanted to be present when Morgan would be ushered into the hall. After all, this was merely a council hall, there was no security detail anywhere to keep them safe, should things go south!


    Meanwhile, Ewan’s gaze locked onto Fiona, whose brow was deeply furrowed, confusion evident in her expression.


    She finally exchanged furtive nces with her father, Alfonso, whose sudden stoic demeanor seemed out of ce in the current chaotic atmosphere.


    What was Athena nning now? Hasn’t the witch done enough? What did she know that could shatter the delicate web that had been constructed for years?


    "Athena, what are you talking about? You want to bring that evil man inside this court?" Elder Timothy shook his head. "Don’t worry, I’m sure we can make do with the evidences you have submitted. Surely, we can conclude the case with them."


    But Athena cocked her head to the side, looking at Elder Timothy intensely. "Of course not, I won’t put themunity at risk in that way. So no, I’m not bringing Morgan to the council. I’m bringing Kendra’s father."


    Two different things. Ewan thought. Two different people. Who could it be then?


    Elder Timothy raised his eyebrows and then nodded. "If that’s the case, bring the witness in. We’ll like to know who is Kendra’s father."


    Alfonso inhaled deeply, and looked up to the ceilings, as if beckoning on the heavens to save him from another round of shame. Yet, no answer came for him.


    Instead, it was his daughter’s voice that he heard.


    "Elder Timothy," Fiona began, her voice shaking with uncertainty yet firm, "you cannot seriously consider bringing any witnesses forward without first—"


    "Enough!" Elder Timothy’s voice boomed across the hall, silencing Fiona, and the swirling murmurs in an instant.


    His earlier cloak of fear that had donned him at the thought of entertaining Morgan in his council was reced with sheer disgust and anger at the offending woman. Hismanding presence hung over the crowd like an ever-present shadow.


    "Athena, bring in the witness."


    "With pleasure, my lord..." Athena replied with a smile and a curt bow before turning to the entrance door.


    Two ps of her hands, and therge ancient door creaked open with an ominous groan.


    With every ticking second, the air thickened with anticipation as everyone awaited for the one who had thought it wise to sleep with Fiona. Worse, he had thought it okay to leave the child with her.


    So, when Lucas strode into the hall, clean-shaven and undeniably handsome, the gasps that erupted from the audience were akin to a rushing wind—-with their eyes wide with disbelief and horror.


    "Is that... Lucas?" A voice murmured, barely a whisper, for the shock was evident on every face.


    "Is he not the man who imed that Doctor Athena had begged him for sex six years ago? I can’t believe he’s here! Where has he been all these years? And why would he return now?" Another voice eximed, riddled with confusion.


    Six years felt like a lifetime, yet the weight of that morning bore down upon them anew, and Ewan couldn’t shake the feeling of dread creeping through him. Lucas had vanished after that fateful day, and now he stood at the center of a storm, ready to talk? Where had Athena found him?


    For six years ago, after the court day, he had sought for thetter, and had not found him. He had even thought him dead at one point. Yet, here was, looking all well kept, in flesh and blood.


    Athena nodded fondly at Eric and Shane before the duo left Lucas’ side and joined the congregation.


    But Fiona’splexion drained as she turned to her father, her eyes wide with terror. "Why is he here? He shouldn’t be here!" Her voice trembled,den with desperation.


    Alfonso’s stomach churned as he looked away from his desperate daughter, as he felt his wife’s hot re right at the base of his head. Even though she had been an enemy to Athena those years ago, she wouldn’t have supported their n of doing away with Lucas and his brothers. There was a limit to her meanness.


    He folded his lips in. Lucas. Thetter had been a dark Chapter of their past. Now, he was here to haunt their lives. But why? Why couldn’t life be fair to him? First, it was hispany, and now this...


    Seeing Lucas alive and back in the fold felt like a betrayal, a betrayal life had orchestrated alone. Alfonso felt sick; rage and disgust bubbled beneath the surface, threatening to spill over. If he hated Athena a thousand fold before, he hated her a millions fold now.


    Wait till this court session is over. He thought, gripping his knees.


    Meanwhile, the tension in the hall crackled as Lucas stepped forward. His gaze was intense and focused, particrly on Fiona, whose bravado had evaporated, reced by stark fear.


    "Lucas Vanders, Doctor Athena says you are here to testify..." Elder Timothy spoke, as Lucas came to halt in the wide space between the two witness benches, facing the elders tform.


    "Yes," Lucas said, his tone clear and unwavering. "I’m here to testify."


    The crowd leaned in, their collective breath holding as they braced for Lucas’ side of the story, eager to know what evil role Fiona had yed again.


    "Alright then. There’s a matter about you being Kendra’s father..."


    "I’ll talk about thatter. But first, I want to tell the truth of six years ago." Lucas interrupted, causing Elder Timothy to pique his eyebrows. Of course, he had expected this, but he had decided he would make the query after the court case.


    He shrugged his shoulders. If the young man wanted to talk about it now, so be it.


    "Then join Athena at her seat, and tell the truth."


    "Thank you." Lucas said, before moving to Athena’s desk. "I’ll surely tell the truth today."