The judge hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the girl standing before him. The courtroom’s atmosphere shifted from shock to intrigue, a collective curiosity binding everyone in the room. It was an unprecedented moment, one that defied the rigidity of the legal system.
“Approach the bench,” the judge finally stated, his voice softer now, though still lined with authority. The young girl, whose name was Emma, took a deep breath and walked forward, her small frame dwarfed by the large courtroom. Ethan watched her, his heart pounding with a mixture of hope and disbelief.
“Who are you, and why do you think you can defend the accused?” the judge asked gently, conscious of her age and the pressure of the situation.
