Rony stiffened, genuine shock flashing across his face. "You—"
Eleana tilted her head. "What?" she said lightly. "Don't recognize your sister now?"
"How could you be—" Rony began, voice unsteady.
Elara smiled faintly.
"Oh, come on, brother," she said, almost gently. "You were always beside me. How could you forget about Dimrti… and the others?"
She curled her fingers.
The doors exploded open.
With a thunderous crash, dimrti strode in, flanked by her remaining administrators—all five of them, every one previously presumed dead or disappeared. Their expressions were calm, ruthless, ready.
Rony's breath hitched.
Fuck.
This wasn't a trap anymore.
This was an execution.
Behind them came the knights—elite, battle-hardened. And towering among them, the Beast Knight stepped forward, armor heavy, presence suffocating. Blades were drawn in unison, steel gleaming under the golden moonlight.
For a heartbeat, no one moved.
Then the Emperor threw his head back and laughed.
