The thunderclouds had only just begun to part when the royal procession made its way into the shattered ruins. The King appeared, flanked by the Queen, adorned in regal silver and sapphire, and by none other than Elder Gideon and Lady Mariana Alden, Xavier's parents. His royal mantle fluttered behind him as he stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate silence and reverence.
All those present instinctively dropped to one knee. The soldiers lowered their weapons. The cultivators, some still catching their breath from battle, bowed their heads. Even Henrietta, still veiled in mist and charged with the crackling remnants of her breakthrough, inclined her head deeply in respect before rising again to her full, radiant posture.
