The Vault trembled around them.
Dust fell from the high, ancient ceiling as the last page of the prophecy burned itself into Ivy’s memory. Her hand trembled as she lowered it from the floating tome, now silent and still. The room’s warmth faded, leaving only cold truth in its place.
“I’m supposed to unite the bloodlines,” Ivy whispered, her voice too small for the weight of the words.
Kael took a step toward her, but hesitated. There was something new in her now—something untamed. “You saw that too? The throne of gold and bone?”
“Yes,” Ember murmured, pale. “It’s the seat of Chaos. The one never claimed. Because those born of Chaos rarely survive.”
Ivy’s head jerked toward her. “What do you mean?”
Ember’s flame flickered. “Chaos isn’t a gift. It’s a curse. Most children who carried t
