The council chamber remained silent for a long moment.
Cassian's words still hung in the air.
We rebuild tradition.
The elders slowly exchanged looks.
For centuries the trials had controlled the city.
Every bond.
Every union.
Every future.
Now those rules had been broken.
And everyone in the room understood one thing clearly.
Change had already begun.
Cassian rested both hands on the council table.
"We cannot return to the old ways," he said.
His voice was calm but firm.
"The trials no longer hold authority."
One of the elders stood.
An older woman with silver hair and sharp eyes.
"But without the trials," she asked, "how will bonds be tested?"
Another elder added quickly,
"The trials kept order."
"They protected the city."
Murmurs filled the chamber.
Sebastian stepped forward.
"With respect," he said, "the trials also created fear."
The elders fell quiet.
Sebastian continued.
"People were forced to prove love like criminals."
