The courtyard was cold under the silver light of the moon, the air thick with quiet judgment as Leola stood bound in chains of starlight, her glowing wrists trembling against the magic that restrained her. The council of Startouch Elves loomed around her in a silent, unbroken circle, their faces emotionless as the High Arbiter stepped forward, staff in hand, its crystalline tip sparking with ancient power. Leola’s violet eyes darted to the shadows beyond the barrier, where she knew her father was watching, helpless, his presence a faint warmth she clung to in her final moments. Her voice, soft and trembling, broke through the oppressive silence.

“Daddy, I’m so scared,” she whispered, her tears catching the moonlight as the Arbiter raised the staff high, their judgment crackling in the air, and the stars above seemed to shudder.