The sun rose blood-red over Highfang.
Trumpets didn't sound. Bells didn't toll.
Instead, drums beat from the palace gates—low and steady, like a warning heart.
Reno stood at the head of the battlements, cloaked not in royal gold, but in scarlet.
His childhood banner.
The banner he'd sworn never to raise unless the throne was in jeopardy.
Below, Ironfang soldiers formed tight ranks, armor dull but eyes burning. Behind them, civilians gathered, uncertain and afraid.
Adele emerged onto the balcony beside him, wind tugging at her cloak.
“You're really doing this," she said.
“I have to."
She glanced at the flag snapping above their heads.
“No more gold."
“No more illusions."
---
##War Room – One Hour Earlier
“She's fortified the eastern wing," Jareth reported. “The queen's loyali
