The Court of Justitia loomed high above the clouds, suspended like a divine judgment over a dying world. Red storm light bled across the skies, casting long shadows between the towering statues of saints encircling the platform. Eighteen in total, carved from sacred stone—silent, waiting. In the center of the dais, bound in chains etched with holy scripture, knelt the accused. The Sorceress. The Heretic. The one who bore the dragon’s mark. Around her, the Legion of Justitia stood in perfect formation—blades drawn, eyes unblinking, faces hidden behind masks scorched with ash from the fallen Sanctuary. Overhead, the Arbiterwings circled, their wings crackling with lightning, their silence more damning than thunder. At the highest point of the platform, robed in gold and scarlet, stood the Sacred Judicator. His voice echoed across the Court, amplified by divine force, etched into the minds of all who listened. "You are guilty on all fifteen counts. For worshipping desire. For consorting with the Fiend. For tainting your flesh with corruption. For embracing greed, destruction, and sin. For the crimes of soul and flesh, you shall be executed." The Arbiterwings shrieked, and the first bolt fell. Lightning struck the sorceress like judgment made manifest. Her body arched. A second bolt followed. Then a third. But still she did not fall. Instead—she sang. A single trembling note escaped her lips. Then another. A melody of grief. A song of mourning. The requiem. The Legion faltered. The statues seemed to listen. Even the wind paused, as if the planet itself leaned in. And when the final note slipped into silence—the sky answered. A roar tore through the heavens, so deep and vast it made the Arbiterwings scatter. The red clouds split open, revealing the terrible shape descending through them. The dragon had come. Sylus. His wings were vast, untouched by flame. His obsidian scales shone like armor beneath the stormlight. His descent shook the very foundation of the Court. The platform cracked beneath his landing. Soldiers staggered. The statues groaned. And the Sacred Judicator raised his hand. "NOW!" he commanded. "ENACT THE JUDGMENT! BRING THE FIEND TO HIS KNEES!" The trap was sprung. The statues pivoted in unison, spearheads gleaming. The Arbiterwings dove, stone feathers and lightning crashing down from above. The Legion surged forward like a flood of steel. Sylus moved through it all. Arrows struck his flanks. Lightning seared his wings. Blood sprayed across the dais—but the dragon did not falter. He advanced, step by thunderous step, eyes locked on the sorceress. "Seize the bait!" one priest screamed. "Cut the soulbond!" But the moment had already come.