The explosion hit just before midnight.
Flames tore through the east wing—oil stores ignited, smoke curling through stone like grasping fingers.
“Evacuate!" Rowan shouted, pulling soldiers from collapsing corridors.
Sera jerked awake in her chamber, smoke already creeping beneath the door. Ember barked once, low and urgent.
She threw open the door—and nearly collided with Noah.
“We have to go," he said, coughing. “The east stairs are blocked. The mural tunnel—"
A flaming beam crashed behind them.
Sera shoved Noah aside, taking the blow across her back.
He caught her as she staggered. “Sera!"
She gritted her teeth, eyes glowing.
Then—something shifted.
Golden sigils burst across her skin, ember-bright and pulsing.
The fire around them stuttered. Then twisted—turning inward, swir
