Scene: Dawn at the Temple Grounds of the Eternal Flame
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Chris Blackwood's POV – The God-King
I stood beneath the obsidian obelisk, robed in white laced with Blackwood gold. Today wasn't for celebration. Today was sacred. Sacred and severe.
Around me were the chosen—nobles, soldiers, foreign emissaries, governors, and heirs. They stood in circles of fire, each flame lit with a bloodstone—a rare gem that only glows in the presence of true loyalty.
> "You claim loyalty," I said as my voice echoed across the empire, amplified by the system embedded into the air itself.
"But loyalty untested is treason waiting for the right wind."
I raised my hand. A sharp bell rang from the sky.
The Trial of Blood and Loyalty began.
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Amara's POV – The Overseer
I watched from the judging perch, flanked by Dictator Christiana and Queen Skylar. In front of us, each subject would face their moment of truth.
They were given a blade.
They were given a choice.
Cut the bloodstone and let it absorb your truth. If your loyalty was pure, it would glow golden.
If not… the stone would remain black.
And then the floor beneath you would vanish.
We didn't force anyone.
But refusal was treason.
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Classic Blackwood's POV – The Prince Watches
I sat beside my father, still regaining strength, but my mind sharp as ever. This was more than ceremony. It was purification. The empire wasn't built on lies. It was built on obedience, clarity… and clean bloodlines.
Two nobles fell today. One governor begged for mercy. Another chose death.
But then, something unexpected.
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A Noble's POV – House Vadrin, Minor Lord
I stepped forward, heart pounding. My family had served for four generations. But in the privacy of my own halls, I had doubted the Blackwood reforms. My son… had dared question Classic's ascension.
I gripped the blade. It sliced my palm open, blood dripping onto the stone.
Nothing.
Silence.
The stone stayed black.
I looked up, trembling.
Chris didn't flinch.
> "Your silence has sentenced you."
The floor gave way beneath me.
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Dictator Christiana's POV
I stood silently. One mistake and the kingdom falls. That was the truth my father taught me, the truth I now upheld.
But then… I felt something stir. A name whispered. One I did not expect.
> "Christiana Blackwood. Daughter of flame. Step forward."
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To Be Continued…