Didi placed the ancient root parchment across the archive table and kept her hands clear of its living script.
Hajin left the parchment within every witness's sight so no courtier could later rewrite the child's refusal.
Three dark circular runes were inscribed across the fiber sheet, remaining inert except for an occasional faint pulse that mirrored Ash's breathing.
Alder court officials paced nervously near the perimeter, their patience frayed by the encroaching threat of the foreign hive mind.
One senior advisor pointed an agitated finger toward the first inert circle, addressing the boy's mother with sharp urgency.
"The child carries the matching Ringlet, so he can complete the route glyph before Concord reaches the remaining roots!"
Ash stood close to Lana, his fingers resting lightly against the fabric of her travel tunic.
Hajin stepped forward to place himself between the marking apparatus and the young boy, his expression turning sharp and firm.
