Chapter 49. A Culprit

"We have all gathered here in search of the truth, and every small detail may yield significant results," Maya explained, her tone stern and demanding.

I avoided eye contact, feeling the weight of the crowd's despair, knowing that if they knew my genuine intentions to flee, they would not treat me with the same respect.

"Tell us what you were doing at midnight," continued Maya, her eyes piercing mine.

Fear overtook me, and I couldn't talk because I had too much to hide. This point in my life felt like a fork in the road, where my decision to demand a trial seemed to dig my tomb.

"Do you have something you want to hide?" Maya mocked, knowing my internal distress.

"I have nothing to hide," I said, my voice shaking with the realization of the buried reality.

Keeping my cool was difficult since I was screaming for assistance. My gaze was drawn to Bella, who sat in the corner, helpless as she watched me.

Bella had informed me when I initially arr