diff --git a/projects/crimson-vows/staging/character-state-ch-01.md b/projects/crimson-vows/staging/character-state-ch-01.md
index f58c587e..60a24ee7 100644
--- a/projects/crimson-vows/staging/character-state-ch-01.md
+++ b/projects/crimson-vows/staging/character-state-ch-01.md
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ Physical: Hemomantic exhaustion; silk gloves saturated with blood; internal "las
 Emotional: Managed defiance; hyper-vigilant; performing a "regal correction" mask; masking panic by tracing wrist scars.
 Active obligations: Owes Damien Blackthorn marriage (ch-01) — PAID; owes Blackthorn Coven production of sanctioned heir (ch-01) — UNPAID.
 Open loops: Isabella/Damien survival of the wedding night (ch-01) — UNRESOLVED; secrecy of hemomantic scarring from Reginald (ch-01) — UNRESOLVED.
-Known secrets: CARRIED (ch-01--unresolved): Actively bleeding beneath gloves — Damien Blackthorn/Reginald Thorne; CARRIED (ch-01--unresolved): Severity of scarring hidden from Elders — Lord Reginald Thorne; CARRIED (ch-01--unresolved): Using mother’s death as a template for survival — Damien Blackthorn.
+Known secrets: CARRIED (ch-01--unresolved): Actively bleeding beneath gloves (Damien/Reginald unaware); CARRIED (ch-01--unresolved): Severity of scarring hidden from Elders; CARRIED (ch-01--unresolved): Using mother’s death as a template for survival.
 Arc: 15% — Transitioned from POW to legally bound hostage-bride via the Blood Contract.
 Permanent: YES
 
@@ -25,19 +25,19 @@ Location: Blackthorn Keep, High Dais.
 Physical: Aged, commanding; aura of acquisitive power.
 Emotional: Triumphant; views Nightbloom lineage as a harvestable resource.
 Active obligations: Overseeing integration of Voss bloodline (ch-01) — UNPAID.
-Open loops: Lord Reginald monitoring the "unmarked vessel" clause (ch-01) — UNRESOLVED.
+Open loops: Monitoring the "unmarked vessel" clause (ch-01) — UNRESOLVED.
 Known secrets: CARRIED (ch-01--unresolved): Plans to discard Isabella once a viable heir is produced.
 Arc: 05% — Architect of the Annexation and witness to the binding.
 Permanent: YES
 
 ## Elara Voss -- DECEASED (Prior)
-Established: Executed by the coven for breaking a blood oath.
-Legacy: Her death serves as Isabella's template for survival and creates a paralyzing fear of vow-breaking.
+Established: Executed for breaking a coven vow before the story's start.
+Legacy: Her death serves as a cautionary template for Isabella and fuels her terror of disloyalty.
 
 # World State: ch-01
 
 ## NPC Memory
-- Blackthorn Court (Blackthorn Keep): DERISIVE — Witnessed Isabella’s forced submission — View her as a conquered trophy and biological asset.
+- Blackthorn Court (Blackthorn Keep): DERISIVE — Witnessed Isabella’s forced submission; view her as a conquered trophy and biological asset.
 
 ## Faction Attitudes
 - Nightbloom Coven: SILENT — Traded Isabella for a fragile peace under the Treaty of Thorns.
@@ -46,4 +46,5 @@ Legacy: Her death serves as Isabella's template for survival and creates a paral
 ## Active World Events
 - The Peace Vow: ACTIVE — Magical pulse enforcing non-aggression; punishes Isabella’s dissent with physical lashes.
 - The Binding Ritual: COMPLETE — Legal and magical ceremony linking the Voss and Blackthorn lines.
-- The Treaty of Thorns: ACTIVE — Diplomatic framework mandating the union.
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+- The Treaty of Thorns: ACTIVE — Diplomatic framework mandating the union.
+- The Annexation: COMPLETE — The formal absorption of Nightbloom assets via the marriage contract.
\ No newline at end of file