The morning of the gathering dawned with a sky that was perfectly clear.
Aria stood on the balcony of the palace, watching the delegates arrive from every corner of the realm. The Assembly of Hope had called for a grand convocation. Representatives from every region, every village, every town. The realm was united as never before.
But she knew it was fragile.
The sword at her hip pulsed with faint light. The blade had been quiet since the battle with the Eternal Frost. But it was never truly silent. It was always watching. Always waiting.
Lyra appeared beside her. Her hand found hers.
"The delegates are here. They're ready."
"Are we? Are any of us truly ready?"
"We have to be. The cycle is ending. The prophecy is unfolding. And we need to be united."
---
The convocation was held i
