Ethan's brow furrowed, hard.
Since absorbing Kormaldor and Sol'Rakka, Emerald Castle's power and reputation had soared. They were a rising empire now—untouchable, or so it seemed. No one in their right mind would pick a fight.
And yet, someone had come knocking. Not with words. With an army.
This wasn't a provocation. It was a declaration of war.
He didn't hesitate.
With a burst of energy, he launched into the sky, streaking toward the city gates like a thunderbolt.
Kaelira's expression shifted instantly. She'd seen this before—too many times. Her face went pale, then hard. Without a word, she summoned her forces and followed.
…
When they reached the outer walls of Emerald Castle, the sight waiting for them turned blood to ice.
An army—massive, relentless—was sweeping across the plains like a tidal wave of steel and shadow.
Their energy signatures were warped, unnatural. Twisting, pulsing with something that didn't belong in this world.
