The sky above the imperial city cracked open with the force of their entrance.
A glowing sigil shattered like glass beneath Solarin's foot as he stepped through the last of the temple barriers, flanked by Leo and Hwan.
The ground trembled. Bells screamed from the palace towers.
The protective dome surrounding the inner sanctum collapsed in a flicker of light, and the city below erupted into chaos.
Priests shouted prayers that turned into spells. Guards, clad in ceremonial armor etched with divine runes, surged forward in waves.
The scent of sanctified incense burned the air, mixing with smoke and ash as Solarin's magic tore through the first line of defense.
Leo moved ahead, his blade flashing as it tore through the divine constructs—hollow shells that bled light when destroyed. His eyes scanned the chaos with sharp, focused movements.
Then he saw her.
