Chapter 25 · The Dawn Noose

"On your feet."

The guard's boot caught Valen's ribs before he opened his eyes. He jerked awake. Chains rattled. His wrists were raw, blood crusted where the iron had bitten through.

Six guards. Full armor. The lead one unlocked the manacles and hauled him up by the collar.

"Move."

Eliza was already standing. Blood crusted her temple from last night. Kael slumped against the wall, face swollen purple, one eye sealed shut.

They dragged them up the stone stairs. Valen's legs buckled. A gauntlet slammed his shoulder, shoved him forward. Cold air hit his face.

The arena floor.

Every seat packed. People crammed against the railings, hanging over the edges. Dawn hadn't broken yet. Torches burned along the walls, throwing shadows across thousands of faces.

In the center of the arena stood three wooden frames.

Gallows.

Valen's stomach dropped.

"Keep walking."

They marched them across the sand. Valen's boots left prints. He could hear Eliza breathing beside him. Fast. Shallow. Kael was silent.

Gareth waited at the gallows. Full ceremonial armor. Gold inlay on black steel. The kind you wore when you wanted to be remembered. Behind him stood the trial master and four high judges.

The crowd was silent.