The bells of Ravenswatch rang before sunrise.
Their deep voices rolled across the capital like distant thunder, calling every noble, knight, and council member to the Great Hall.
The First Trial of Ravens had come to its end.
Today…
The kingdom would decide whether its heirs had succeeded.
⸻
The Great Hall had transformed overnight.
Banners bearing the black raven of House Vane hung proudly between towering marble columns.
Rows of noble families filled the galleries.
Military commanders stood in polished armor.
Scholars, governors, judges, and foreign envoys occupied the upper balconies.
Even common citizens had been invited to witness the verdict from behind the iron galleries overlooking the chamber.
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
Everyone had heard stories.
The f
