The explosion shook the entire city.

Lucien turned toward Eryndor.

Black smoke climbed into the sky above the royal palace.

"Seraphina!"

"I'm coming!"

They ran.

Behind them, the seven armies remained frozen.

The soldiers no longer knew who to obey.

Nethros shouted after them.

"Lucien!"

Lucien stopped for half a second.

"Stay here!"

Nethros pointed toward the battlefield.

"The shadow may return."

Lucien nodded.

"Then hold the line."

Nethros looked at the seven armies.

"I will."

---

Lucien, Seraphina, Lyra, and Aster rushed through the palace gates.

The courtyard was burning.

Guards lay unconscious across the ground.

Windows had been shattered.

Black smoke filled the corridors.

Seraphina covered her mouth....