"Long live the Empress!"
The cries of exaltation still thundered in unison.
Then, without warning, a circle of light flared beneath my feet.
It has come.
So this is what you wanted, Xin?
You still refuse to release me?
Or perhaps it is I who cannot release myself.
The terrified shouts of the ministers reached my ears.
Dylan, closest to me, recoiled in horror.
Drake's hand flew to his sword as he lunged forward, Cassian following right behind.
Beyond them, I caught sight of Xavier and Xander, their draconic forms dissolving into human, their eyes burning with dread as they attempted to reach me.
And in that single instant, I realized a truth I had always denied.
I wanted to stay.
My body betrayed the yearning hidden in the depths of my heart, propelling me upward in defiance, desperate to break free from the circle of light that sought to engulf me.
"Davina!"
So many voices, calling at once. Their tones braided together—fear, anguish, and despair.
