~Kaida Orion POV~
At midnight, a knock came at door, Biat answered quickly, a courier handed a sealed legal scroll bearing crown stamp, I untied ribbon. It read: "Pursuant to Council Order 21167: Both heirs must appear at the archive hall again before first light, or the chest and legal recognition forfeit to Crown custody."
Below, director's signature: the vine-scribe auditor who questioned me first, I gasped. The court ordered further hearing...alone. Biat crumpled the paper and cursed.
The envoy looked grim. "They demand deliver both heirs into danger."
Moon Priest leaned forward: "We are bound by root covenant to protect both! That means you must split...take Lunara or the chest."
My fingers trembled, Lunara's sleeping head nestled in my arms and outside, distant torchlight flared. The dawn would bring audit...but this order may cost us both.
