The crying had no sound.
Just like the screaming.
Just like the laughter.
Just like everything connected to the Hollow Silence.
But everyone felt it.
The grief rolled across Black Hollow like a cold tide.
The stars flickered.
The forest shivered.
The throne beneath Draven Ridge pulsed softly.
Not afraid.
Not angry.
Compassionate.
The realization unsettled Midnight.
The abyss had once been a prison.
Now it was mourning.
The First Queen would have been proud.
Or possibly insufferable about being right.
Probably both.
Lucien voiced the thought first.
"So our plan is emotional intervention for an ancient cosmic disaster."
The Hollow King rubbed his face.
"When you say it out loud, it sounds worse."
"It should."
Nobody disagreed.
The silver crystal floating above the ope
