The barrier loomed before Kelvin, its dark energy casting an oppressive shadow over the land. Holding the orb tightly, he could feel its power thrumming beneath his fingertips. Taking a deep breath, he extended it toward the barrier, channeling his focus. A surge of light exploded from the orb, tearing through the dark energy and dissolving the barrier in a blinding flash.
As the remnants of the barrier faded into the air, a figure emerged from the shadows beyond it—tall, imposing, and unmistakably powerful. The Thornclad leader, Draco, stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Kelvin with intense, appraising eyes. His dark skin bore intricate markings, each one a testament to his rank and power within Thornclad society.
“You’ve done well to break through,” Draco said, his deep voice resonating with a commanding tone. “But there’s more that needs to be done.”
Kelvin, catching his breath, looked up, sensing the weight of Draco’s words. “What do you need me to do?”
Draco’s expression hardened, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. “A Woolwight named William is spreading lies about me. He’s accusing me of violating him—of using my power to make him do things against his will. This is unacceptable, and I will not allow my reputation to be tarnished by such claims.”
Kelvin felt a chill, hearing the seriousness of Draco’s words. “You want me to find him?”
Draco nodded, his gaze intense. “He’s staying in the southern plaza with his wife, Iris. Bring him to the courthouse. He must face this openly. It’s time for him to either stand by his accusation or face the consequences.”
Kelvin hesitated, absorbing the gravity of the situation. He knew this was a delicate matter and that Draco’s power and status would make the task complicated. “Understood,” he replied. “I’ll bring him to court.”
Draco handed him a small map and nodded curtly before disappearing back into the shadows, leaving Kelvin with a growing sense of unease as he headed toward the plaza.
Kelvin found William standing with his wife, Iris, near a quiet fountain at the southern end of the plaza. William’s posture was tense, his gaze distant as he clutched an orb tightly in his hand. Kelvin approached carefully, introducing himself with a steady voice.
“William?” Kelvin asked, his tone calm but firm. “I’m Kelvin. Draco asked me to bring you to court to testify.”
William’s expression shifted, suspicion and hesitation clear in his eyes as he regarded the stranger. “Of course he did,” he muttered bitterly. “It’s just like him—to send someone else to handle his mess.”
Kelvin studied William, noticing the fear and anger just beneath the surface. “I understand if you’re hesitant. But this is your chance to tell your side. If Draco really did something wrong, this is an opportunity to make it known.”
William’s eyes darkened, and he shook his head, a tremor running through his voice. “You don’t understand. Draco’s not just any Thornclad—he’s their leader. People respect him, fear him. No one will believe that someone like me could be forced by someone like him.”
Kelvin took a step closer, his tone softening. “I may not understand everything about Thornclad culture, but I do know that this kind of power imbalance can silence people. If you have something to say, then your voice matters, no matter who stands against you. You shouldn’t have to bear this alone.”
Iris placed a gentle hand on William’s arm, her expression full of quiet encouragement. “Kelvin’s right. You’ve carried this burden alone for too long. Maybe… maybe it’s time to let the truth come out.”
William swallowed, glancing at Iris, but the fear was still evident in his eyes. “And what if they laugh me out of the room? What if they say it wasn’t enough, that I didn’t fight hard enough?”
Kelvin nodded, his gaze unwavering. “Strength isn’t the measure of truth, William. You don’t have to meet Draco’s power to be believed. What matters is what happened, and that you’re willing to say it. This isn’t just about Draco or even you—it’s about doing what’s right.”
William looked down at the orb in his hand, his fingers trembling. After a long moment, he took a steadying breath and clutched the orb tightly. It glowed with a faint light, and in a flash, they were transported to the towering courthouse.
A staff member cleared their throat nearby. “The judge and jury will be arriving in about an hour,” they announced, glancing at the silent group before walking away.
Draco, leaning back against a wall, huffed in frustration. “They really take their time getting here, don’t they?” He crossed his arms tightly, glaring at the empty courtroom as if he could will them to arrive faster.
Kelvin cast a sidelong glance at Draco, sensing the tension in the air. “We’ve got an hour to figure this out,” he said quietly, his eyes flicking between Draco and William, trying to gauge the truth buried beneath the layers of resentment and bitterness.
Wallace joined the group, his brow furrowed in deep thought. “We need to approach this carefully,” he said, his voice low but resolute. “William, if you’re lying about this, it could have serious consequences for everyone involved. But if you’re telling the truth, then this needs to come out.”
William met Wallace’s eyes, a flicker of fear showing briefly before he masked it with defiance. “I have my reasons for what I’ve said,” he replied, his voice holding a tremor of something unsaid.
Draco scoffed, his patience wearing thin, his tone almost mocking. “Stop playing games, William. This is serious. Don’t play the victim here.”
Kelvin placed a hand on Draco’s shoulder, silently urging him to keep calm. Then, he turned back to William, softening his tone. “William, we’re not here to judge you. We just want the truth. This could affect more than just you or Draco. It’s a matter of setting things right.”
The minutes ticked by, each second weighing heavily in the air, filled with unspoken tension and unanswered questions. Finally, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the courthouse as the judge entered, accompanied by the jury. The room fell into a solemn silence as all eyes turned toward the front.
The judge, a stern-looking Thornclad with intricate patterns etched into his dark skin, took his seat at the bench, his gaze sharp and unyielding as it landed on William. “William, you have accused Draco of a serious crime. It is now time for you to present your case and provide evidence to support your claim.”
William took a shaky breath, gathering his courage before he spoke. “I didn’t consent to Draco.” The orb in his hand buzzed and zapped with a faint glow. “See, I told you, I didn’t rape him.” Draco boasted.
William hesitated, as though searching for words to convey something that ran deeper than his pain. “I feel like I didn’t have a choice with Draco.”
The judge, watching William closely, nodded. “What made you feel that way?”
William swallowed hard, his voice trembling but determined. “Draco entered The Glow and threatened to destroy my project—something I’d spent months on, something that meant everything to me.”
Kelvin looked confused, the term unfamiliar to him. “The Glow?” he asked.
William nodded, his gaze flicking to Draco. “The Glow is the Thornclads’ most powerful state. When they enter it, they’re almost unstoppable, able to obliterate entire cities. When Draco entered The Glow, he told me that if I didn’t agree to his demands, he’d destroy everything I’d worked for. I didn’t feel like I could say no.”
The courtroom remained silent as William’s words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of suppressed trauma.
Draco leaned forward, breaking the silence with a frustrated tone. “But you did agree, William. You didn’t say no. You didn’t resist me.”
William’s eyes flashed with pain and anger, the years of bottled-up emotions threatening to spill over. “I felt like I couldn’t! You didn’t leave me with a choice, Draco. I was scared, and you used that against me.”
The judge turned his gaze to Draco, his expression unyielding. “Is there anything you’d like to add, Draco?”
Draco took a deep breath, his expression guarded as he spoke. “I couldn’t have raped William. When we were together, he responded physically. I even went down on him. And afterward, he forced a kiss on me. He shared the blue with me.”
Kelvin confused raised an eyebrow. “What is blue?”
William took a step forward, his gaze direct as he addressed Kelvin. “Kelvin, I know you’re not from this world, so let me explain. The blue is the gas that Thornclads release during intimacy. But it’s more than that—it’s like sharing your soul. It’s a deep, almost telepathic connection. When you share the blue, it’s like having a thousand therapy sessions in one moment. Every memory, every feeling is exposed, and there’s no hiding from each other’s pain.”
Kelvin listened, his expression shifting to one of understanding.
William continued, his voice laced with raw emotion. “In my mandatory middle school health class, I learned that the blue could create that kind of connection, and I thought maybe if I could get Draco to experience it, he would understand. He would finally feel the pain he put me through. That’s why I forced that kiss. I thought it would show him everything he’d done to me.”
Draco looked uncertain, wrestling with the truth behind William’s words. He turned to Kelvin, almost as if seeking validation. “Doesn’t that count as consent, Kelvin? He wanted more of me, wanted to share the blue. Isn’t that what you call consent?”
Kelvin took a steady breath, meeting Draco’s gaze with a calm yet firm expression. “Draco, I understand what the blue means to you Thornclads, but William’s connection with you came after he felt coerced into the situation. Consent can’t be given halfway through. It has to be there from the start, freely and without pressure.”
The judge nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting between Draco and Kelvin. “This case has highlighted the need for a clearer understanding of consent in our society. From now on, Thornclad law will require that consent be freely given, without intimidation or coercion. Even if the blue creates understanding, it does not override the need for genuine, unforced consent.”
After the trial, Draco found Kelvin outside, a flicker of regret in his gaze as he approached him. “Kelvin, I hope you don’t see us as bad people. It’s been a decade since we graduated, and I thought people would have gotten over the bullying by now. But it hurts to realize I was wrong.”
Kelvin met Draco’s gaze, his expression thoughtful. “Draco, I don’t see you as a bad person. But bullying leaves scars, scars that sometimes last a lifetime. Acknowledging the harm, even after all this time, is what counts. Real growth doesn’t just mean hoping things are forgotten. It’s about facing the impact of what happened and making things right.”
Draco nodded, his expression softened by understanding. “I’m planning to change the laws, to make things fair for people like William who need justice. And I’m glad he’s found some peace, even a good life now. Maybe… maybe we can even be friends one day.”
Kelvin nodded encouragingly, sensing the sincerity in Draco’s voice. “If you’re truly committed to change, Draco, then you’re already on the right path. Friendship takes time, especially after so much history. But actions like this—showing respect, making things right—help others see who you’re becoming, not just who you used to be.”
Draco’s expression softened, a hint of relief breaking through his tension. “Thank you, Kelvin. I didn’t realize how deeply people hold onto pain, how it shapes them. I’m ready to do better… to be better.”
Kelvin placed a hand on Draco’s shoulder. “Change isn’t easy, but understanding and acknowledging the impact you’ve had on others is a huge step forward. It won’t be perfect, and it won’t happen all at once. But with time and the right actions, people can come to see you differently.”
Draco gave a faint smile, a new sense of purpose in his gaze. “I guess I have a lot of work to do. And maybe one day, William and I can actually have a real conversation, with honesty and respect.”
Kelvin’s smile matched Draco’s, a sense of hope settling between them. “One day, Draco. But for now, focus on laying down the groundwork. People heal at their own pace. Just be patient.”
As Draco watched Kelvin walk away, he felt a resolve harden within him. The events of the trial had exposed the flaws in his old ways, but it had also given him a path forward. He looked around at the Thornclad city—the towering buildings, the powerful creatures moving through the streets. For the first time, Draco realized that strength was about more than power; it was about accountability, respect, and protecting those who trusted in him.
Draco took a deep breath, determined to put his newfound understanding into action. It wouldn’t be easy, but for the first time, he felt like he was truly on a path worth following. He turned toward the city, ready to face the future he was willing to build—one grounded in respect, understanding, and a genuine commitment to change.
As Draco watched Kelvin walk away, a faint but determined smile settled on his face. He glanced around the courthouse and spotted Iris talking to William.
Approaching her, Draco’s tone softened. “Iris, I’m really grateful for everything you’ve done to support William. He’s a brave, curious guy, and it’s lucky he has someone like you by his side.”
Iris gave a small nod, a warm smile breaking through her thoughtful expression. “I know searching for the last of the Woolwights is a daunting task, but it’s worth it. William’s been through so much, and I want to be there to see him finally find peace.”
Draco considered her words, and then added, “I registered you both so that you can stay at any inn, hotel, wherever you need—completely free. It doesn’t matter if the bill is $60 or $60,000; it’s covered.”
Iris’s eyes widened slightly, a mixture of gratitude and surprise in her gaze. “Thank you, Draco. That’s… incredibly generous. I know you didn’t have to do that.”
Draco gave a small shrug. “It’s the least I can do. William taught me something I needed to understand, and he’s shown me a part of myself I didn’t want to face. This is my way of saying I’m grateful, and maybe a first step toward making things right.”
Iris placed a gentle hand on his arm, her voice soft but firm. “Making things right is about more than covering hotel bills, Draco, but I can see you’re willing to do the work. William and I are both stronger for facing our past, and I believe you’ll find strength in that too.”
Draco nodded, absorbing her words. “Thank you, Iris. I hope one day, maybe, we can all sit down together as friends.”
Draco felt the weight of the past mixed with the hopeful promise of the future. Looking out over the bustling Thornclad city, he realized that his journey had only just begun. The events of the trial had shown him the importance of accountability and respect, and now, with a new purpose, he turned toward the city, ready to face the long road of rebuilding trust—one honest step at a time.
Draco watched Iris thoughtfully for a moment, then said, “You’re lucky to have William. He’s brave, and he’s willing to face things that most people would bury. Not everyone has that kind of strength.”
Iris smiled softly, her eyes filled with warmth. “I know. William’s been through so much, but he’s never given up. I’m lucky to be by his side as he finds his own path forward.”
As she walked away, Draco felt a mix of regret and hope. Watching her go, he felt his purpose shift and grow, finally ready to rebuild trust and respect. Turning toward the city, Draco knew his journey had only just begun, and he was determined to take each step with intention.
Draco looked at William, his voice softer than it had been in years. “William, I know I bullied you for years… and I know I hurt you deeply. But maybe, one day, we could be friends.” He paused, searching for the right words. “I’ve done a lot of wrong, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.”
William studied him for a moment, his expression a mix of emotions. “Friendship isn’t something that happens overnight, Draco. But… maybe if I see you’re truly committed to change, we can get there, in time.”
Draco nodded, the weight of his past actions settling heavily on him. “I understand. And I’ll work to earn that trust, no matter how long it takes.”
