The fall of the palace broke more than stone.
It broke the spirit of the capital.
A cloud of dust swallowed the city, blotting out the morning sun. The magnificent towers that had stood for centuries were now piles of burning rubble. The royal banners disappeared beneath smoke and flame.
For one terrible heartbeat…
Everything was silent.
Then the screams began.
Civilians fled through the streets, clutching children and whatever possessions they could carry. Soldiers shouted orders that were barely heard over the roar of collapsing buildings.
Kaelira stood frozen, staring at the ruins of the only home she had ever begun to call her own.
Ronan reached for her shoulder.
“Kaelira.”
She blinked.
The Queen returned.
She spread her black wings.
“They’re not taking this city.”
Kaelir
