For several seconds, no one moved.
Not because they expected Aldren to return, but because the disappearance of that final shadow had left a strangely noticeable absence in the hall. The Hollow Throne still stood before them, black, heavy, and material, with the long white crack running through its structure, but whatever had once made the air feel denser was gone.
Kael no longer felt the involuntary need to keep a certain distance from the seat. Irelia no longer had to choose every word as though presenting a petition, and even Seraphine's posture had changed.
For the first time since they had descended into the tunnels, no one in that hall was being classified as subject, witness, petitioner, or authority.
They were simply people in an old room.
Umbra was the first to test it.
Her shadow slid across the floor, climbed the base of the throne, and covered the entire seat for several moments.
Nothing reacted.
No inscription appeared.
No voice ordered her to retreat.
