The sky never fully returned to normal.
Even after the shadow moved away from the moon, something about the world felt… wrong.
Like the air itself was waiting.
Three days had passed since the battle at Black Hollow Village.
The palace had become a fortress.
Warriors from the Five Territories filled the courtyards. Patrols moved day and night along the borders. Rowan personally trained the Royal Guard until their bodies could barely stand.
No one complained.
Everyone had seen the Night Beasts.
Everyone knew worse was coming.
Inside the throne hall, Ivy sat quietly upon the Supreme Throne.
Her silver crown rested lightly on her head, but the weight she carried was far heavier than gold.
Rowan stood beside her as always.
Seraphine leaned against one of the stone pillars, reading s
