The woman stood at the center of the ancient city.

No one moved.

Even the people surrounding them had fallen silent.

Caelan stared at her with an expression Lucien had never seen on his face before.

Fear.

"Mother..."

The woman slowly turned toward him.

"You finally brought them."

Caelan swallowed.

"I didn't know you were awake."

She smiled.

"That is because I didn't want you to know."

---

Lucien raised his sword.

"Stay away from them."

The woman looked at him.

"The Balance."

Her eyes narrowed.

"So much power."

Lucien stepped forward.

"Who are you?"

She smiled.

"I was called many things."

"Queen."

"Creator."

"Destroyer."

"But my first name was...