Fear settled over the cavern like a living thing.
Not panic.
Not terror.
Something colder.
Heavier.
Because this fear came with understanding.
Midnight stared at the guardian wolf.
The ancient creature didn't look away.
Didn't soften the truth.
Didn't pretend there was a hidden third option waiting around the corner.
Just the choice.
Bind Azhrael forever.
Or become the prison.
The throne pulsed slowly beneath the mountain.
Waiting.
Watching.
The First Queen had known.
Every guardian before them had known.
And now Midnight did too.
The silence stretched.
Then Kael broke it.
"There has to be another way."
The guardian's silver eyes shifted toward him.
Ancient sadness flickered there.
Every guardian asks that.
Not exactly encouraging.
Lucien threw his hands into the
