The next day, they explored deeper into the city, searching for answers.
In a collapsed hall beneath the palace, they found what looked like a library—shelves carved into the walls, filled with stone tablets instead of books. Many were broken, but some remained intact.
Edran traced the runes, eyes wide. "These are records of the First Kings. Their wars… their bargains with the gods. Aric, this city was theirs."
Mira picked up a cracked tablet. "And the Crown?"
Edran's hand trembled as he set down a fragment. "Forged in fire… bound in blood. A weapon, not a symbol. It broke the gods themselves."
Aric's heart pounded. "And now it's calling to me."
The fire within him seemed to laugh in agreement.