[Lavinia's POV — Imperial Palace, Throne Room]
The doors thundered open, and I stepped inside.
Osric followed, dragging Caelum by the collar like he was no more than a beaten hound. Solena glided above us, her golden wings scattering shards of light across the marble floor, while Marshi padded at my side—fur smoking faintly, divine eyes gleaming with the patience of a predator.
Papa sat upon the throne. His proud smirk curved like the edge of a blade, carved for me and me alone.
The nobles?
They gasped. Whispered. Trembled. Like rats scurrying when the cat enters the room. Shock. Envy. Fear. Awe. The air stank of all of it, and I drank it in.
Osric dragged Caelum forward without hesitation and hurled him down beside Marquess Everett, his chains clattering loud enough to silence every whisper in the chamber. The Hidden Emperor, the "untouchable beast," lay groveling in dirt and blood at my feet.
