Shouts filled the night air.
Knights, rattled from the explosion, scrambled to their feet with weapons raised, steel flashing under the moonlight.
"Where did that blast come from?!" one bellowed, eyes darting through the dark treeline.
The air trembled again.
"Incoming!" a guard shouted, his voice cracking as he pointed skyward.
The knights followed his gesture—eyes widening as a streak of fire came hurtling down, its edges twisted with veins of black, as if night itself clung to the flame.
"Scatter!" another roared.
The soldiers dove for cover, shields rising, boots pounding earth. The fireball struck, exploding into a wave of heat that tore across the road. Horses screamed in terror, eyes rolling white, and several bolted from their reins, trampling past the shattered remains of the rear carriage.
Dust, smoke, and ash swirled thick.
The Emperor's carriage shuddered with the impact.
Inside, the Emperor surged forward, his hand already on the door. "I need to see—"
