|| Lilac’s POV ||

The grand hall fell into a hushed silence as Alpha King Darius rose from his throne, the ancient silver crown of the realm glinting under the chandeliers. Every eye followed his slow, deliberate steps toward the center of the dais where Alaric stood tall, regal, and utterly devastating in his Nightshade armor.

"Tonight," Darius's voice boomed through the hall, "we restore what was stolen centuries ago."

A murmur rippled through the crowd. I caught Ezra's ...