Scene 1 – The Awakening Tremor
The Vault shuddered like a living beast, its walls groaning as the chains embedded in the stone began to stir. A thunderous tremor rolled through the chamber, rattling the ground beneath Jemil's feet. His chest heaved with uneven breaths, each inhale dragging fire into his lungs, each exhale carrying sparks of gold.
The curse wasn't just burning anymore. It was shaping.
A faint glow flickered above his head, arcs of golden light weaving together like threads. Not solid, not yet—but enough to cast jagged shadows across the faces of his wives.
A half-formed crown.
The sight made Kaelina's grip on her sword falter for the first time. "Jemil…" she whispered, her voice sharper than steel yet quivering at the edges. "That thing… it's taking shape."
