Lucas was about to speak, his lips parting in haste as he raised a hand and bowed his head low. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice soft but sincere, "I did not mean to intrude..."
Before he could finish his hurried promise, the earth beneath them quivered violently. The sound came like thunder splitting the heavens, a guttural growl so deep that it felt as though the mountain itself had come alive. The tents trembled under the force, the wind howled through the cliffs, and the very ground seemed to shift beneath their feet.
Lucas froze instantly, his heart slamming against his chest. The Empress straightened where she stood, her bare shoulders catching the dim glow of the campfire before she quickly drew her robe tighter. Behind her, the two Divas scrambled to dress themselves, their faces drained of color.
