Chapter Twenty-One #2
“The buried talismans constitute unlicensed magical artifacts,” Robert explained.
“The lockdown dome exceeded legal limits for containment wards. Although I didn’t know about it at the time, the vision-trap Doctor Channon mentioned, specifically designed to torture investigators during scene readings, is explicitly illegal under Justiciary protection statutes… ”
“Robert wrote a very thorough report,” Bridget said proudly. “It took him four hours.”
“Three hours and forty-seven minutes,” Robert corrected. “I wanted it to be accurate.”
They’d been building this case all night. Ant looked between his sister and her boyfriend, something warm settling beneath his exhaustion. “You coordinated an entire parallel investigation.”
“You do crime scenes, I do paperwork.” Bridget shrugged. “We’re a good team.”
“The best team,” Ant agreed quietly.
The lead enforcer gestured toward the hallway. “Claudius is being secured downstairs. Doctor Channon, would you like to be present when we formally read the charges?”
Ant glanced at Viktor, who nodded once. Together.
“Yes.” Ant moved carefully around the desk, Able immediately pressing against his leg for support. Viktor’s hand found the small of his back, steadying him. “I want him to know exactly why his empire is collapsing.”
They descended the stairs as a group - enforcers, mages, Bridget, and Robert. Ant could hear voices from the entrance hall, frightened and confused. When they reached the ground floor, he understood why.
The grand foyer was crowded with people. Human staff members huddled near the walls, their eyes wide, and they were clearly terrified. Younger vampires stood in small clusters, most of them looking shell-shocked. A few were openly crying.
Victims.
Claudius knelt in the center of the hall, wrists bound in spelled restraints that pulsed with silver light. Edmund and Nathaniel flanked him, similarly restrained. The ancient vampire’s face was a mask of fury and disbelief.
“You have no right,” Claudius snarled as Ant approached. “This is my estate, my coven…”
“Your prison,” Ant corrected. He gestured to the frightened staff members. “How many of these people were here by choice?”
Claudius’s lip curled. “They were honored to serve…”
“They were enthralled.” Ant’s voice cut through the hall. “Just like Ronald Finch. Just like the two hundred and forty-three humans whose lives you destroyed for financial gain.”
“I gave them purpose…”
“You stole their free will.” Ant crouched to Claudius’s eye level, ignoring his protesting muscles. “You murdered a man whose only crime was trying to expose your theft. You trapped me in a magical torture device designed to shatter my sanity. You threatened to kill me while my mate watched.”
Claudius’s eyes flashed red. “You destroyed centuries of work…”
“I destroyed centuries of criminal work.” Ant straightened.
“Claudius Raven, by authority of the Mage Justiciary and based on direct evidence I personally witnessed, you are under arrest for the premeditated murder of Ronald Finch, systematic illegal use of vampiric trance, financial exploitation of at least two hundred forty-three victims, attempted murder of a Justiciary investigator, and unlawful imprisonment.”
“This is persecution,” Claudius hissed.
“This is what’s known as justice.” Ant looked past him to the assembled staff and coven members.
“Everyone here is free to leave. The Justiciary will provide transportation and temporary housing for anyone who needs it. If you were victimized by Claudius’s financial schemes, please speak with the enforcement team. ”
A human woman near the back started sobbing. One of the younger vampires wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“You’ve ruined me,” Claudius said flatly.
“No.” Ant met his gaze without flinching. “You ruined yourself the moment you decided other people’s lives were worth less than your wealth.”
“And incidentally,” Viktor leaned down so he and Claudius were eye to eye.
“Know this as you spend the rest of your life in captivity. You owe my mate your life. If Ant hadn’t insisted that I wasn’t allowed to kill anyone, then your entrails would be all over this floor, and your head would be sitting on the coat rack.
You owe the fact you’re still breathing to the one you insulted as my pet and a blood-slave.
Suck on that, asshole, as you get a taste of what a real prison feels like. ”
The lead enforcer gestured to his team. “Take him to holding. Separate transport for the accomplices.”
Claudius fought against the restraints as they hauled him upright, but the spelled bindings held. “I will appeal, I will fight this, I will…”
“You’ll lose,” Bridget called from the staircase. “I have six lawyers already drafting civil suits on behalf of your victims. By the time we’re done, you won’t have enough money left for a public defender.”
Claudius’s stream of threats faded as the enforcers dragged him toward the front doors. Edmund and Nathaniel followed silently, both vampires looking utterly defeated.
Ant watched them disappear into reinforced transport vehicles, watched the doors slam shut, and the vehicles pull away from the estate.
It’s over.
Viktor’s arm wrapped around his waist, helping him stay upright. “You okay?”
“Utterly exhausted,” Ant admitted. “But yes.”
“Then let’s go home.” Viktor pressed a kiss to his temple. “I’m sure Bridget can handle the cleanup.”
“Damn right I can.” His sister descended the stairs, already pulling out her phone. “Robert and I will coordinate with the Justiciary to process victims and secure the estate. You two are officially off duty.”
“I need to file a formal report…”
“Tomorrow,” Bridget said firmly. “After you’ve slept for twelve hours and eaten a proper meal.”
Ant felt he should argue. The responsible part of his brain was already cataloging follow-up questions and the loose ends that needed tying.
But Viktor’s hand tightened on his waist, Able leaned heavier against his leg, and Bridget’s expression said she’d physically carry him out if necessary.
“Tomorrow,” Ant agreed.
They walked out of Claudius’s estate into late afternoon sunlight.
Behind them, freed victims emerged tentatively into the gardens, blinking like people waking from nightmares.
Ant had given them justice. He’d given them freedom, and for now, that was enough.
Although he’d really love a coffee and maybe a full steak meal.
Viktor could probably do with one, too…and one for Able as well.