The Throne descended through the night sky like a falling star made of divine wrath. Its radiance turned darkness into day across six city blocks, making shadows flee and causing every piece of glass in the downtown district to ring like crystal bells. Azrael could feel its presence pressing against his consciousness—not just powerful, but ancient in a way that made his own centuries of existence feel like heartbeats.

"We need to run." He grabbed Maya's hand, pulling her away from the ...