POV: Alex
The crown chamber had never felt so fragile.
Moonlight bled through the massive stained-glass windows as I slammed my hands into the central sigil, activating the oldest ward in existence. Power tore through my veins as the air hummed and the chamber sealed in a dome of blinding silver light.
Too late.
The first impact hit the west wall like a thunderclap.
Stone exploded inward as shadow-creatures poured through the breach in a writhing mass of claws and smoke. Guards were already fighting below, their screams echoing through the upper levels as the palace shook around us.
“Elara, the inner circle—move!” I shouted.
Queen Luna Beatrice moved without hesitation, pulling the remaining council members into the sanctum behind the throne while I stood my ground at the center of
