Hundreds of black lights appeared beyond the mountains.

Lucien stood at the broken window of the castle, staring at them.

"What are those?"

Nethros didn't answer immediately.

His face had gone pale.

Seraphina noticed.

"You know."

Nethros nodded.

"They are the Shadow Kingdoms."

Lyra stepped closer.

"How many?"

Nethros counted the lights.

"Seven."

Aster's expression darkened.

"Seven kingdoms."

Lucien turned toward them.

"Who rules them?"

Nethros looked at him.

"No one."

"Not yet."

---

A deep horn sounded from the mountains.

Then another.

Then another.

The seven black lights began moving.

They weren't stars.

They were armies.

Thousands of shadow soldiers marched beneath them.

Lucien looked toward his companions.

"How...