A month had passed since the incident that sent tremors through the Ravenwood grounds and tore a rift in the prestigious House of Ashbourne.
Ravenwood Academy had tried to return to normalcy, but the air remained tense
It was only recently that the incident at the schools graveyard had taken place with the princess as the victim.
Whispers still slithered through the halls like smoke that wouldn't dissipate.
Students cast wary glances over their shoulders, and professors now walked the corridors with sharpened eyes.
But today, the matter was no longer whispered behind closed doors.
The Imperial Court had summoned House Ashbourne.
The Grand Court Hall of the Empire stood like a cathedral of judgment.
Ornate walls lined with ancient tapestries bore silent witness to the judgment of nobles, traitors, and fallen heroes.
At the apex of the room sat the Twelve Justiciars, each robed in a different shade representing the domains of law they presided over.
Crimson for war.
