The universe held its breath. In the starless void of Valerius's throne room, his offer hung in the air, shimmering with the seductive allure of absolute power. It was more than an invitation; it was a coronation. He was offering me a crown, a kingdom forged from the ashes of a world I already despised. He was offering me the very destiny the original Ashen had craved, the one that had led him to ruin.
My past, my present, and a thousand possible futures converged in that single, silent moment. The draconic core in my chest beat a slow, heavy rhythm, a silent drum counting down the seconds to a choice that would define not just my fate, but the fate of this world.
I could feel Christina's gaze on me, a silent, desperate plea. She was not afraid for herself, not anymore. She was afraid for me. Afraid that the monster she had seen glimpses of would finally find a throne that fit.
