The barrier shattered.

Lucien and Seraphina were thrown backward as the blast from the sea creature ripped through the harbor.

The shockwave overturned ships and sent towering waves crashing into Blackthorn's docks.

"Your Majesty!" Sir Elias shouted, rushing toward them.

Lucien pushed himself to his feet, planting the Blade of Dawn into the cracked stone.

"I'm fine."

He looked toward Seraphina.

She slowly stood, breathing heavily. The Moon Crown still floated above her head, but its light had dimmed.

"The creature..." she whispered.

"It's stronger than the Shadow Sovereign."

---

The ocean churned violently.

The enormous beast let out a haunting cry that echoed across the coastline.

Its body was...