The vision disappeared.

For several seconds, no one spoke.

Lucien remained staring at the empty space where the red-crowned woman had appeared.

Seraphina broke the silence.

"Who is she?"

Nethros looked troubled.

"Her name is Evelyne."

Lyra frowned.

"The Queen of the Eastern Empire?"

Nethros nodded.

"She has ruled the empire for nearly twenty years."

Lucien lowered his sword.

"Is she as powerful as the Sovereign?"

"No."

Nethros paused.

"She's worse."

---

They left Veyra before dawn.

Caelan traveled with them, though nobody completely trusted him.

He kept his distance from the others.

Lucien noticed.

"You don't have to walk so far behind."

Caelan glanced at him.

"Your friends don't...