Aveloria spoke again, breaking the heavy silence.
"If I stand here and accuse them, then I must allow truth to speak for me. Let them take the rite. If I am wrong, I will stand before all of you and renounce my claim. I will step down from my position as future Queen."
A few gasps echoed around the hall. Even the high priestess shifted uncomfortably.
Aveloria continued. "But if I am right, then justice will be carried out as required by our law."
No one dared respond. The tension in the hall had become a weight pressing on everyone's chest.
Alaric walked toward Aveloria slowly. His steps were unsteady, like someone moving through thick mud. "Aveloria," he said, his voice softer than before. "This… this is too much. Think carefully. The Trial of Loyalty is not something that can be undone."
She looked him straight in the eyes. "I know. But the truth must come out today. No more lies. No more secrets."
