The ground shook.
Hope felt it before she heard it. A tremor that ran through the palace like a shiver through bone. The walls groaned. The windows rattled. The chandeliers swayed.
She was on her feet before the second tremor hit. Kaelen was beside her. His hand was on his sword.
"Earthquake?"
"No. Something else. Something worse."
The third tremor was stronger. The floor cracked. Dust rained from the ceiling. The people in the great hall screamed and ran for the exits.
Hope ran toward the balcony. The city was in chaos. Buildings were crumbling. Fires were spreading. The sky was dark with smoke and ash.
"What's happening?" Kaelen shouted.
"I don't know. But I'm going to find out."
---
The council met in emergency session.
The great hall was damaged. The walls were cracked. The
