The city gates shook beneath the force of the approaching armies.

Lucien stood on the highest wall, staring into the distance.

Seven armies.

Seven banners.

Seven kingdoms swallowed by darkness.

Their soldiers marched without making a sound.

No battle cries.

No drums.

Only the endless sound of footsteps.

Seraphina stood beside him.

"They're here."

Lucien nodded.

"Yes."

Behind them, thousands of allied soldiers waited.

Blackthorn knights stood in formation.

The Forest Kingdom's archers filled the eastern walls.

The Ice Titans waited at the northern gate.

Eryndor's soldiers stood in the center.

For the first time, every kingdom fought beneath one banner.

---

Nethros walked toward Lucien.

"The seven kingdoms aren't...