The ocean did not return to peace after the manifestation vanished.Silence settled over the imperial palace, but it was not the comforting silence I had grown used to. It felt strained, as if every current listened for something that might return at any moment. Even the glowing coral lanterns flickered cautiously, their light softer than usual, hesitant.
I remained standing beside Azarus at the observation chamber long after the darkness disappeared into the trench.
Neither of us spoke but his hand still held mine.It was firm, grounding, almost possessive but not in a way meant to restrain me. It felt like an anchor. Like reassurance meant for both of us.
I realized then that the emperor was not calm,he was calculating.
The currents around him moved too precisely, responding to thoughts racing behind his composed expression.
"You knew something like this could happen," I said quietly.
