"Bring the accused forward and bind their feet to the central trial glyphs!" Magistrate Julian shouted from the high obsidian gallery, his heavy gavel slamming against the marble railing with a sharp, deafening strike.Lucas stepped into the center of the Supreme Spire's circular trial floor, his black boots leaving faint, glowing purple footprints on the cold dark stone.Beside him, Patriarch Vane fell to his knees, his hands trembling violently as he pressed his forehead against the freezing floor.Damon stood five paces away, held upright by two gold-armored imperial guards, his face pale as chalk, his right shoulder bound in blood-stained bandages from the failed ritual."Heir Lucas Peterson and Patriarch Vane Peterson of the outer Peterson Clan stand accused of high treason, illegal core alteration, and defying royal summons!" Magistrate Julian declared, his voice amplified by the court's sound arrays. "Representing the First Throne's high bench today is Lord High Investigator Ma