The chamber didn't just shake.
It reacted.
Spectral serpents twisted violently across the ceiling, hissing as if sensing the clash of power below. The fractured glass walls pulsed with distorted reflections—
Of them.
But not the same.
Not whole.
Not real.
One of Kael's uncles suddenly lunged forward, eyes clouded, body moving under Bloomfall's influence. His hand reached toward the cracked Crown—
But a serpent struck.
Fast.
Merciless.
Venom hissed as it burned into the marble floor.
Elaris didn't waste the moment.
"The Mirror Engine—" her voice cut through the chaos, sharp and focused."She's not just testing us. She wants to fracture us."
Her wings flared wide.
Energy gathered.
Then—
Released.
A pulse of light erupted outward, sending shards of obsidian petals slicing toward Bloomfall.
Bloomfall moved like she expected it.
A single leap.
Graceful.
Effortless.
Untouchable.
She landed lightly, wings folding behind her, smirk deepening.
"You're fast," she said softly."Impressive."
Her eyes darkened slightly.
"But the Mirror Engine…"
A pause.
"It doesn't choose strength."
Her gaze flicked between Kael and Elaris.
"It chooses truth."
The air seemed to tighten.
"Your reflections will betray you… before the crown can ever be yours."
Kael lowered his blade—just slightly.
Still ready.
Still dangerous.
But his attention shifted.
To Elaris.
Their eyes met.
And in that single moment—
Everything passed between them.
Jealousy.
Trust.
Fear.
Something deeper.
Unspoken.
Outside, Virelia pulsed in neon light, unaware of the war beginning within its heart.
Inside—
The chamber lay in ruins.
Glass shattered.
Serpents fading.
The Crown dimming.
And the runes on Elaris's arm—
Burning hotter than ever.
Then—
Soft laughter echoed.
From the shadows.
Bloomfall.
Already retreating.
Already gone.
But her voice lingered.
"Blood must bloom…"
A whisper.
"…before the crown can rule."
Silence followed.
Heavy.
Unfinished.
Elaris stood still, her breath uneven, her circuits still glowing.
And slowly—
A realization settled inside her.
The next battle…
Wouldn't just be for relics.
Or crowns.
Or prophecy.
It would be for him.
For Kael's attention.
His loyalty.
His choice.
And maybe…
Her own heart.