Serena’s POV
The great hall felt heavier in the aftermath of Grey’s defeat. The air hung thick with the scent of extinguished torches and fading incense from the interrupted ceremony. Guests filtered out in hushed clusters. They cast wary glances back at us as if expecting the Obsidian King to unleash further wrath. Penelope remained in my arms. Her body still trembled from the ordeal. Gale stood guard a few paces away. His sword was finally sheathed but his eyes remained sharp. Alaric’s hand lingered on the small of my back. It served as a steady anchor amid the chaos we had just unleashed.
Grey was dragged away in chains by Alaric’s guards. His face showed a mask of humiliated rage. "This is not the end," he spat over his shoulder. "The council will hear of your overreach King. You can
