Mary Ann’s POV
Silas Thorn remained on one knee before me, the folded black cloth resting on the stone between us.
Cassius’s silver crescent gleamed across it.
The courtyard had gone silent.
Nightveil guards surrounded the training ground. Liora stood beside me with her jaw tight, while Rovan’s hand remained on the hilt of his sword.
I did not look away from Silas.
“You said Cassius challenged my right to lead.”
“Yes.”
“Under which law?”
Silas lowered his gaze.
“The Regent invoked the Second Claim.”
Liora reacted immediately.
“That law has not been used in centuries.”
Silas looked toward her.
“It still exists.”
“Cassius already challenged Mary Ann,” she said. “He lost.”
“He conceded.”
“And attacked her afterward.”
“Yes.”
“So he forfeited every protection ancient law coul
