The Tribunal of Exposure
Black Hollow had never felt small before.
It was built to intimidate.
Stone walls carved with the insignia of the Sovereign Purge. Towers shaped like fangs. A courtyard designed for public submission.
Today.
It felt crowded.
Not by numbers.
By witnesses.
Aurelia stood at the center of the courtyard, the White Luna mark at her throat glowing faintly beneath daylight. Around her stood five pack leaders, three neutral observers, and dozens of wolves who had come not as soldiers.
But as eyes.
High Inquisitor Varent descended the fortress steps slowly.
He had lost the advantage of isolation.
But not composure.
"You have forced entry into Council territory," he declared. "This tribunal will proceed under Council law."
Cassian's voice drifted lightly from the assembly.
"Which law? The Purge Decree? Or the Emergency Containment Statute you invoked without vote?"
Varent's jaw tightened.
Darius's hostages were brought forward.
Bound wrists.
