The air still trembled with the weight of her words.
Empress Celestia Dragonair had spoken, and it was as if the very heavens had listened. The grand ballroom—bathed in golden light and swirling with soft mana veils—had fallen into reverent silence during her speech. Now, it erupted with life.
The once-distracted nobles and warriors seemed galvanized, their spirits reignited. Swordsmen straightened their spines. Mages looked at their staffs like they were weapons of destiny. Even the aloof emissaries of other realms leaned in closer to one another, their eyes sharp with purpose.
Such was the effect of her voice—clear, commanding, divine.
It was the kind of speech that could rally armies and change the fate of kingdoms.
But not everyone shared the same fervor.
In a quiet corner of his own mind, Luca stood apart from the revelry, brows furrowed in thought. He reached inward, to the ancient presence slumbering within him.
