The old throne room had been transformed into something between a battlefield and a temple. Theron's ritual circles covered every inch of the floor, glowing with power drawn from all five magical bloodlines. The Moonspire throne sat at the center like a beacon of crystallized starlight.

Outside, the sounds of combat echoed through the palace. Empress Valdira's forces were making their stand, buying us precious time with their lives.

"The circles are complete," Theron announced, his ancient ...