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"Royal Edict Seventeen is suspended from this judgment. No charge, sentence, reassignment, or forfeiture may proceed under its authority while suspension remains."

The storm-court erupts again.

Traditionalist Volvath rise from their benches, horns angled in outrage. One Matron bares her teeth at Zira. A cluster of Soz'garoth begin arguing over whether suspension changes lineage contracts. Humans along the wall lift their heads, careful even now to avoid attracting the attention of owners who remain above them.

The hierarchy has not fallen.

Most demons in this chamber still consider humans breeding stock. Suspending one law cannot erase fifty years of ownership, violence, and contempt.

It changes what happens to Draxon and me.

Today, that is enough to alter the court.

Zira raises her staff toward him.

"Draxon of the line Obsidius, your conviction under the suspended edict is vacated. The sentence of exile is withdrawn."

His posture remains controlled.

I see the change only in the angle of his head as he looks down at me.

Zira continues before either of us can speak.

"The former holdings of House Obsidius will not return under their previous charter. That house failed to account for the human authority upon which its restored strength depends."

My attention snaps back to her.

"The Council therefore recognizes a conjoined house under a new charter: House Obsidius-Ferryman."

The name travels through the galleries.

Ferryman.

My human family name stands beside a Volvath line before the entire storm-court.

"Draxon Obsidius is recognized as head of House Obsidius-Ferryman," Zira says. "Its former lands, spire, contracts, and household authority transfer to the conjoined house upon acceptance of the new charter."

She turns her red gaze toward me.

"Beatrix Ferryman is recognized as founding partner with equal household authority, independent legal standing, and control of her apothecary, trade agreements, and earned resources. She is not property under a breeding assignment and is not subject to Council reassignment."

Disbelief moves through me slowly enough to hurt.

My apothecary.

My trade.

My name attached to a house no one can transfer without acknowledging me.

Zira lowers the scroll.

"The title of arena-master is not restored."

Several nobles react at once. Some with satisfaction. Others with alarm over who will control the Grand Arena.

"Draxon will hold no authority over Council sentences or arena judgment," she says. "The appointment remains vacant pending a separate decision. House Obsidius-Ferryman receives standing through its charter, not through his former office."

Draxon inclines his head.