The tiny black eye opened.

Everyone froze.

The broken shard of the Crimson Core lay on the floor, trembling.

Boom.

Another heartbeat echoed through the throne room.

Lucien stepped in front of Seraphina and Lyra.

"Nobody touch it."

Caelan stared at the shard.

His face had gone completely pale.

"It's awake."

Nethros tightened his grip on his weapon.

"What is it?"

Caelan didn't answer.

Lucien looked at him.

"Caelan."

Caelan swallowed.

"I don't know its name."

The Keeper slowly stood.

"But I do."

Everyone turned toward him.

The old man stared at the black shard.

"It's called the Eternal King."

---

Evelyne laughed.

It was quiet at first.

Then louder....