diff --git a/projects/crimson-vows/staging/character-state-chapter-ref.md b/projects/crimson-vows/staging/character-state-chapter-ref.md
index 416e6706..3d4bbd46 100644
--- a/projects/crimson-vows/staging/character-state-chapter-ref.md
+++ b/projects/crimson-vows/staging/character-state-chapter-ref.md
@@ -1,39 +1,49 @@
-**Note:** As no narrative prose was provided in the preceding turn (Pass 1), this extraction reflects the starting state established by the project context and character bible.
+**Note: As no Pass 1 prose was provided in this session for Chapter 1, the following extraction is based on the initial state established in the project context and "Chapter 1" premise.**
 
 # Character State: Ch1
 
 ## Isabella Voss
-Location: Nightbloom Coven Estate, Shadow’s Edge
-Physical: No injuries; multiple faint crimson scars on wrists/arms from past blood vows.
-Emotional: Suppressed anxiety; rigid determination.
-Active obligations: Owes the Nightbloom Coven a marriage to the Blackthorn heir (Ch1) -- UNPAID.
-Open loops: Isabella/Damien marriage alliance (Ch1) -- UNRESOLVED.
-Known secrets: CARRIED (Bible--unresolved): Witnessed her mother’s execution and fears she will fail the same way -- Lord Reginald Thorne.
-Arc: 5% -- Accepts the burden of the peace-vow, reinforcing her rigid adherence to duty over personal desire.
-Permanent: NO
+Location: The Nightbloom Conservatory, Voss Estate
+Physical: Fresh crimson scars on wrists; no functional injuries.
+Emotional: Suppressed dread and rigid determination.
+Active obligations: owes Nightbloom Coven (and House Blackthorn) a marriage of peace (Ch1) -- UNPAID.
+Open loops: Isabella and Damien (rivalry/engagement) (Ch1) -- UNRESOLVED.
+Known secrets: CARRIED (Ch0--unresolved): Witnessed her mother’s secret final words before execution -- Lord Reginald Thorne.
+Arc: 05% -- Isabella has accepted the burden of the blood vow and prepared to meet her rival to initiate the union.
+Permanent: YES
+
+## Damien Blackthorn
+Location: The Nightbloom Conservatory, Voss Estate
+Physical: No injuries; imposing presence.
+Emotional: Calculatedly provocative and guarded.
+Active obligations: owes House Blackthorn a successful alliance (Ch1) -- UNPAID.
+Open loops: Isabella and Damien (rivalry/engagement) (Ch1) -- UNRESOLVED.
+Known secrets: CARRIED (Ch0--unresolved): Masking profound protectiveness for Isabella behind his taunts -- Isabella Voss.
+Arc: 05% -- Damien has entered enemy territory to face his betrothed, transitioning from abstract rival to personal catalyst.
+Permanent: YES
 
 ## Lord Reginald Thorne
-Location: Nightbloom Coven Council Chambers
-Physical: No injuries; aged but commanding presence.
-Emotional: Calculating; manipulative.
-Active obligations: Owes the Nightbloom Coven a period of stability through the alliance (Ch1) -- UNPAID.
-Open loops: Thorne/Isabella manipulation regarding her mother's death (Ch1) -- UNRESOLVED.
-Known secrets: Knows the full truth of Elara Voss's "betrayal" -- Isabella Voss.
-Arc: 0% -- Remains the stagnant architect of Isabella’s entrapment.
-Permanent: NO
+Location: The Throne Room/Voss Estate Grounds
+Physical: No injuries; aged but potent.
+Emotional: Predatory and satisfied.
+Active obligations: None.
+Open loops: Thorne and the Peace Treaty (Ch1) -- UNRESOLVED.
+Known secrets: CARRIED (Ch0--unresolved): Manipulating Isabella’s guilt for Coven expansion -- Isabella Voss.
+Arc: 01% -- Positioned as the architect of the current political crisis.
+Permanent: YES
 
-## Elara Voss -- DECEASED (Pre-Ch1)
+## Elara Voss -- DECEASED (Ch0)
 Established: Executed by the coven for breaking a sacred blood vow.
-Legacy: Her death serves as the primary source of Isabella’s trauma and her desperate need to remain "loyal."
+Legacy: Her death serves as Isabella’s primary motivation for rigid obedience and fear of betrayal.
 
 # World State: Ch1
 
 ## NPC Memory
-- Nightbloom Elders (Council Chambers): EXPECTANT -- Looking for Isabella to submit to the Blackthorn union to secure their borders.
+- Lord Reginald Thorne (Nightbloom Coven): SATISFIED -- Witnessed Isabella’s submission to the blood vow -- He now treats her as a perfected pawn for the upcoming alliance.
 
 ## Faction Attitudes
-- Nightbloom Coven: Suspicious -- Viewing the Blackthorns as rivals but necessary partners for survival.
-- Blackthorn Coven: Contemptuous -- Viewing the Voss line as fragile hemomancers bound by fading traditions.
+- Nightbloom Coven: Expectant -- They demand the peace treaty be sealed through Isabella's blood or her marriage.
+- Blackthorn Coven: Suspicious -- Viewing the marriage as a potential trap or a sign of Nightbloom weakness.
 
 ## Active World Events
-- The Crimson Union: The mandated marriage between the Voss and Blackthorn lines is currently being brokered to prevent an all-out blood war. Timeline: Imminent.
\ No newline at end of file
+- The Blood Wedding Negotiations: Ongoing; the formal introduction of the betrothed marks the beginning of the ritualistic union timeline.
\ No newline at end of file