~Kaida Orion POV~
The courtroom fell into thunderous silence the moment the chest spoke. A chanting echo reverberated from within, naming me, Lunara, and Akira in arcane rhythm. My chest seized. I stumbled forward as Lupus threw his weight across the vessel, halting its chant mid‑breath.
Gasps and shuffling filled the dais. Even the sovereign's envoy leaned back, eyes gone wide.
Moon Priest shouted, "The echo was forced! It was manipulated by the crown's echo clause to breach vessel conditions!"
Biat helped me steady as I clutched the twin children tighter. Akira's small face had frozen in awe, not fear. Lunara sat wide‑eyed beside us.
The chief magistrate rose, robes trailing silent despair. "The acting echo means the vessel is compromised. Crown decree may annul the bond."
A council guard lifted the broken lid. The silver‑root lines glowed erratically, pulsing violet. Akira whimpered, and I placed my free hand on her shoulder.
