The entire cavern bowed to her.
Not metaphorically.
Actually bowed.
The shadows pouring across the stone floor stilled instantly before sinking downward like kneeling creatures lowering their heads before a throne.
The Hollow King froze.
Kael did too.
Midnight stood in the center of the chaos breathing hard while black smoke curled around her body like a living crown.
And for the first time—
the abyss did not feel like a monster trying to consume her.
It felt like something waiting for her command.
The realization terrified her.
The Hollow King slowly released Kael from its grip.
Not because it wanted to.
Because it had to.
The shadows were no longer listening to it.
They were listening to her.
Kael landed hard on one knee, blood running down his throat while silver eyes lo
