Execution day dawned under a blood‑red sky.
The parade ground was packed—soldiers in formation, nobles in balconies, prisoners lined up like cattle. Cameras floated above, broadcasting empire-wide.
At the center stood Lia.
Unshackled, spine straight, hair braided with invisible syringes.
Varric's voice boomed across the courtyard. “Today, we demonstrate the perfection of Wolfbone. One dose to cleanse rebellion."
He gestured to the drums lined behind her. “These canisters hold our legacy. Our future."
Lia raised her chin. Somewhere behind her, she heard the subtle hiss—*smoke charges armed.*
Across the square, Karl stood in full regalia, eyes locked on hers.
They had one shot.
---
“Test subject number one," Varric announced, “Black-Blood healer, known rebel, responsible for—"
Boo
