A murmur of fear erupted from the spectators.
"C-cursed?" someone whispered.
"Who would dare—?"
"Silence," Caelum snapped, and the hall fell quiet once more.
"It was not a random act. The spell placed upon the Luna was dark magic — forbidden and ancient. Its purpose was not to k*ll her outright, but to weaken her, to ensure the trial could not continue, and to give the true culprit more time to scheme."
The words sent a chilling wave through the room. Even the most battle-hardened warriors felt their hearts clench at the thought.
Black magic — a power long banished from their lands — had been used right under their noses.
"Whoever cast the curse," Caelum went on, "wanted this trial delayed. They wanted Luna Livia silenced, unable to defend herself. And while she fought for her life, the ones behind this plot were free to weave a new plan — one that would destroy her name and her legacy completely."
