The doors swung open again, hinges groaning beneath the weight of so many horrors already passed, and in the archway stood the next family—another ornate bloodline with smiles lacquered over guilt and powder clinging to pale, worried faces. But before the guards could even announce their names, Allen lifted a single hand.
"Enough."
His voice rolled through the chamber like the final clang of a distant executioner's bell.
Every breath in the room held still.
The family in the doorway hesitated, exchanging wide-eyed glances. Were they spared? Was this mercy? Or was it just a postponement of the inevitable?
Allen turned his back on them, cloak swirling at his heels like smoke.
"The tribunal is adjourned for the day. No more judgments will be passed until the bell strikes first light tomorrow."
