The final attack did not break against the outer walls, and it did not creep in slowly from below. It came from the inside.
Dawn had barely touched the sky over Drak'thar when the space at the center of the main courtyard twisted in on itself. There was a loud tearing sound, and a jagged rupture split open in the air. It was wide enough to swallow the palace's grand hall whole.
Owen was already awake.
He had been leaning against the cold stone of the high balcony, watching the stars fade, while his mind kept going back to one thing. Kael'thar, the Architect, was sleeping under his roof. He still couldn't quite believe it.
Then he felt the air pressure drop. It was only a fraction of a second before the courtyard tore open, but it was enough.
He didn't run for the stairs. He vaulted straight over the balustrade.
