A Crown With No Owner

Liora took her hand. Mara took Liora's. Rowan, Cael, Senna, and Tavin joined them until six witnesses became hundreds.

Together they spoke the missing noun: no sovereign may own another person's vow.

The crown cracked. Each branch became a witness seal, warm but powerless alone.

The cost came for Elara anyway. It reached for Tavin's birth. She could save that memory by restoring the crown and taking control.

Tavin held her gaze. "Do not make everyone pay so you can remember me."

Elara let the memory go.

Venn shouted an order. No oathstone carried it. His guards heard only an old man in a silent hall.