"All of you felt it as well."
Her breathing became audible, each inhale forcing itself through her throat.
"The Right of Passage that our mistress established all those years ago, the ceremony we thought would never happen again..."
A pause that stretched impossibly long.
"Has just taken place."
The words landed like hammer blows despite being spoken softly.
"Our Oaths have come alive again."
Gasps rippled across the table, hands pressing against mouths, eyes going wide.
But underneath the shock, underneath the surprise...
Understanding bled through, certain and absolute.
The oldest woman stood up slowly, her movements careful but carrying conviction.
When she spoke again, her voice rose, building toward something that wouldn't be contained.
"I represent House Scarlet!"
The declaration tore across the courtyard, echoing off walls.
"And I stand here tonight to ask all the Northern Noble houses one simple question!"
