The Hall of Verran Tribunal stood in the heart of the city beyond Shadowclaw castle, reserved for the gravest offenses—treason, murder, war crimes, terrorism. Its blackstone walls and high arches carried a cold, echoing weight. It had not been used in years. Today, it was full.
Jax sat at the center dais, presiding by his own request. Treason demanded precision, and he meant to deliver it.
The jury sat in two long rows of twelve: the council Elders forming the front line, the twelve randomly selected pack members seated directly behind them. Twenty-four in total, charged with weighing the truth.
Across from them, in the witness section, sat Fin, Bloodmoon, Marra, Rex, Redmoon, and dozens more. Nearly seventy people filled the hall—an unheard-of attendance for any Shadowclaw trial.
The air was tight, the silence heavy, as though even the stone understood the weight of what was coming.
Nova would have hated this. But Nova was unconscious, and she had no say.
Jax rose, his chair scraping against stone. His voice carried clean and deliberate.
"The Hall of Verran Tribunal now convenes for the Joint Trial of Helga Beatrice Emberhide and Orion Phillip Emberhide, both standing under shared indictment for acts of violence and betrayal against the Realm of Shadowclaw. The following counts are hereby entered into record."
He paused, the silence of the room sharpening around his words.
"Count I – Treason.
That the defendant, Orion Phillip Emberhide, did knowingly and willfully commit violent acts against a commissioned member of the royal family—thereby violating his oath of service and betraying sworn allegiance to the Crown and the Realm."
"Count II – Aggravated Assault.
That the defendant, Helga Beatrice Emberhide, did unlawfully and with intent cause grievous bodily harm—potentially resulting in death— to student under Shadowclaw protection. Said individual was at the time a guest from another pack, breaching treaty and provoking armed conflict between allied packs. The assault occurred without provocation and while the victim's back was turned."
"Count III – Conspiracy to Commit Murder.
That the defendants did unlawfully and willfully conspire with one or more unknown persons to orchestrate the murder of Elle Varrin, now Beta Luna Elle Valehart, and Nova Moonveil, now Queen and Luna of Shadowclaw, by means of poisoning—specifically through the known lethal agent identified as Lycura's Kiss."
"Count IV – Use of Unauthorized Enhancement.
That the defendant, Helga Beatrice Emberhide, did knowingly employ an unlawful substance or enhancement to augment her physical capabilities during the commission of the assault, in violation of standing restrictions governing the use of controlled or prohibited substances in combat."
"Count V – Obstruction of Justice.
That the defendants did knowingly and intentionally conceal material facts, withhold evidence, and mislead investigators in connection with the assaults and the attempted murders thereby obstructing the lawful process of justice."
When the final charge was read, Jax let the silence stretch before concluding.
"The charges are entered into the official record. The defendants will have the opportunity to respond after the presentation of evidence."
He gestured to the tables on either side of the central floor.
"Representing the prosecution, Corvin Thane, sworn Advocate of the Crown. Representing the defense, Eldric Vaelor, duly appointed counsel for the accused. All parties have been identified for record."
"Prosecutor Thane, the floor is yours." Jax said.
Corvin rose from his seat, his tone clipped and clear.
"May it please the Tribunal. Honored Elders, members of the jury — the Crown will show that the acts committed by Helga Beatrice Emberhide and Orion Phillip Emberhide were not accidents or misunderstandings. They were choices. One made in open view, the other behind prison walls under the guise of authority."
"The defense may argue that the first assault occurred during a training exercise, and that the victim was only a student. Helga Emberhide was not a student. She was a sworn warrior. She broke command law when she shifted. She revealed intent when she struck from behind after the match had ended."
Corvin stepped forward slightly.
"The defense will also claim that Orion Emberhide acted lawfully under the Warden's Mandate. But the doctrine permits order, not vengeance. His conduct did not maintain discipline. It abused authority and targeted someone under royal protection."
"The evidence will show neither acted in service of the Realm. Their choices were deliberate. Unlawful. And influenced with purpose."
His final words carried the weight of stone.
"The law allows only one verdict. Guilty. The Crown concludes its introduction."
He gave a short, respectful nod to Jax and returned to his seat.