Chapter 32
Chaos erupted as the Queen slumped to the ground, the life draining from her eyes. Guards swarmed the stage, their weapons drawn, searching for the hooded figure. But he had vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a trail of chilling silence.
Luca, his face pale with shock, pushed through the crowd, his eyes fixed on Odessa. He had witnessed the attack, the fading of the mark, the despair in the Queen's eyes. He had to protect her, to keep her safe.
He reached for her hands, ready to pull her from the chaos, but before he could leave with her, a large hand clamped down on his shoulder. Xandros, his face grim, held him back.
"Luca," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "stay away from her." This is beyond your understanding."
Luca struggled against Xandros's grip, h
