Chapter 35. Jurisdiction

The air tasted like metal. The benches were fuller than yesterday—word about saints and needles travels faster than bread in a hungry city. Dignitaries with long necks and longer memories took their seats with the careful choreography of people who like to be both seen and safe.

“Jurisdiction,” Mara announced without ornament. “We entertain petitions.”

Rellan rose, predictable as tide. “Dusk Spire claims right to try Thessia for violation of the Oathbreakers Act,” he said. “The alleged unregistered bond created a breach that endangered multiple courts. By precedent—”

“Precedent where loyalty goes to molt?” Ilyra murmured near my ear.

Rellan didn’t flinch. “—Dusk Spire requests custody for the duration of trial.”

The First Luna’s gaze didn’t move. She could make stillness into pressure. “Responses.”

I stepped forward. “Shadowfang retains me,” I said. “I belong to no court but the one I build with my hands.”

“Poetic,” Rellan said. “Irrelevant.