The first scream came from the courtyard.
Then another.
Then hundreds.
Luna stood frozen as the sound of footsteps filled the castle.
Not the footsteps of living men.
These were slower.
Heavier.
Unnatural.
The dead were coming.
The Gate of Eternity stood open behind them, spilling darkness into the throne room.
Black mist crawled across the floor.
Ancient figures emerged from it one after another.
Warriors wearing rusted armor.
Kings carrying broken swords.
Women dressed in ancient royal garments.
Creatures Luna had never seen before.
Some had human faces.
Others did not.
And every one of them was staring at her.
At the Moonborn Queen.
Luna’s wolf trembled.
They remember us.
Luna whispered,
“Why?”
Because our blood sealed them away.
Another roar shook the castle.
