Governor Rogel Sanchez finally stepped forward from the emperor's sarcophagus.
Unlike the others, he had spent several minutes silently studying the massive black coffin at the center of the chamber.
The intricate carvings alone radiated power.
But what truly captured his attention was the stone effigy resting atop it.
Emperor Alaric.
Even after centuries, the man's presence felt overwhelming.
The sculpted emperor wore battle armor beneath heavy imperial robes, one hand gripping the hilt of a sword while the other rested calmly across his chest.
He looked less like a dead ruler…
And more like a king merely waiting to wake up.
Governor Sanchez found himself strangely unsettled by it.
"Miss Reyes," he called.
Lara turned toward him.
"Yes, Governor?"
He gestured toward the effigy.
"How old was Emperor Alaric in this effigy?"
Lara's eyes slowly drifted back toward the stone figure.
For a brief second, something unreadable flickered across her face.
Longing.
Pain.
