"Everyone remain calm!"
Captain Ryver's voice cut through the rising panic as the great hall plunged into unnatural darkness. The floating candles extinguished simultaneously, leaving only the weak sunlight filtering through high windows.
Elaria froze mid-aisle, her hand tight on her father's arm. Through the bond, she felt Draven's alarm and his immediate instinct to reach her.
Stay where you are, she sent urgently. Don't break the ceremony. That's what he wants.
The shadows in the hall began to move with purpose, flowing together like rivers of ink. They pooled at the center of the room, between Elaria and Draven, and began to rise.
Guests screamed and scrambled backward. Guards drew weapons uselessly, steel couldn't cut shadow. King Tavian stood from his seat in the front row, his
