Chapter Three: The Flameless Makes the Stele Bow

He did not need another trial; he needed both factions to witness his strength. His red-gold blood struck the stone. Seven rings erupted. Heat swept through the chapel and the phantom of a red dragon opened its wings behind him. “The royal flame endures!” cried his supporters. Cassian accepted a golden imprint. Passing Lain, he murmured, “Do not worry. If it rejects you again, I will not let them laugh for long.” A crimson spark appeared on his shoulder. 【The target’s statement contains a lie.】 Cassian wanted them to laugh. Then he could play the merciful brother and keep a useless blood heir as a living seal. Ysolde followed. Six rings of frost appeared without a sound. A seventh briefly formed, then shattered. Whispers filled the chapel.