Lucien's fingers were inches away from the silver blade.

Seraphina tightened her grip on his arm.

"Lucien, don't touch it."

He looked at her.

The blade remained suspended before him, silent and waiting.

Caelan stood several steps away, watching with an unreadable expression.

"The weapon has chosen you," he said.

Lucien didn't look at him.

"Why?"

"Because you're the Balance."

Caelan's eyes narrowed.

"And because you're the only one who can survive its power."

The blade began glowing brighter.

The voice returned.

"Power..."

Images appeared around Lucien.

He saw himself standing above the seven kingdoms.

Every army kneeling before him.

No enemy could ever threaten his people again.

No war....