The throne room echoed with silence.
Ariana sat on the cold silver throne — her back straight, chin high, crownless but untouchable.
The nobles were watching.
The guards were whispering.
Even the walls seemed to listen.
She wore a black velvet dress that clung to her curves, dipped low across her back, her scar on full display like a threat. Her hair had been braided back with silver thread, sharp pins glittering like stars.
She didn't look like someone new to power.
She looked like someone born to destroy with it.
Kairo stood beside her now, sword at his hip, his gaze ever on her — protective, dark, and dangerous.
Damian watched from below the dais.
His eyes red.
His knuckles white.
And his pride slowly unraveling.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked, breaking the silence.
Ariana didn't look at him.
"You had your chance," she said softly. "And you chose silence. Secrets. Selene."
"I chose to protect you—"
"You chose your kingdom," she snapped, eyes flashing. "I'm just finally choosing myself."
Suddenly—
A messenger burst into the room, panting, bloodied.
"Your Majesty!" he shouted. "There's been an attack—on the North Tower."
Kairo's blade was already drawn.
"Who?" he barked.
"Selene," the man gasped. "She tried to flee... we tried to stop her—"
But Ariana was already on her feet.
Moments later — North Tower Dungeon
Ariana entered like a blade unsheathed.
Selene sat chained in silver cuffs, her lip bloodied but her eyes smug.
"You came to kill me yourself?" she asked sweetly.
"No," Ariana said, voice sharp. "I came to watch you rot."
"Even after I told them?" Selene smirked.
Ariana froze.
"Told who what?"
"The resistance," Selene purred. "That the heir of Veyl has taken the throne of Ardentia. That she sleeps with her enemy. That her bloodline is tainted with betrayal."
Ariana's breath left her body.
"You… you gave them my location?"
Selene leaned forward.
"They're already here."
Back in the throne room…
Damian watched the fire erupt from the horizon — the city gates under siege.
And suddenly… he understood.
This wasn't just politics anymore.
It wasn't love.
It was vengeance.
And Ariana — the woman he swore to protect — was now the one standing in the crossfire of two kingdoms.
Back in the dungeon, Ariana whispered:
"If I fall… I'll drag your name to hell with me."
Selene grinned.
"Then let's both burn, darling."