Before the echoes from the Circle of Assessment had fully faded away.
A second explosion shook the palace.
BOOOOM.
The stone floor trembled violently. Thin cracks spread across several old pillars. Blue flames on the walls flickered wildly, as if responding to the approaching threat.
Aurelia immediately turned toward the main hall's gate.
Her instincts screamed.
Danger.
And not ordinary danger.
Kael was no longer smiling.
His face had turned cold.
"The outer gate has collapsed."
Ragnar laughed softly, but this time there was a bloodthirsty note in his voice.
"Finally."
Orion stepped forward, his gaze as sharp as a blade.
"They won't attack without preparation."
He glanced slightly toward Aurelia.
"This isn't a normal attack."
Aurelia nodded slowly.
She could feel it.
The energy seeping in from outside… dark, ancient, and poisonous.
As if something from the past had awakened once more.
"Who are they really?" asked Aurelia.
Kael answered without turning his head.
