The imperial palace stood beneath the storm like a sleeping beast carved from marble and gold.
Towering spires disappeared into the snowfall overhead while rows of silver banners bearing the royal crest hung motionless against frozen stone walls. Even from the carriage windows, Selene could feel the weight of the place pressing quietly against the city around it.
Power lived here.
Old power.
The kind built on bloodlines, fear, and centuries of carefully maintained control.
Imperial guards lined the palace entrance in perfect formation as the carriage rolled through the massive gates. Their silver armor reflected the torchlight burning along the palace stairs, though Selene noticed something else immediately.
Every guard watched her.
Not openly.
Not rudely.
But carefully.
The rumors had already spread further than expected.
The Moon Wolf's heir had entered the palace beside the Crown Prince himself.
And now the empire was watching.
