Chapter 96

**Evangeline's POV**

I stormed through the palace halls like a hurricane made of rage and shadow.

Every step echoed off the stone walls, sharp as gunshots in the silence. Servants scattered when they saw me coming, pressing themselves against the walls with wide, terrified eyes. The thorns that covered the palace grew thicker as I passed, feeding off my fury like parasites.

I didn't care. Let them be afraid. Let the whole realm shake.

Celeste's voice ...