Queen Seraphine's heart skipped a beat—then began to race.
The anxiety and unease that had been weighing her down were suddenly swept away, replaced by a surge of exhilaration.
In that moment, she understood: this wasn't punishment. It was a chance. A real chance—for her and her people to survive.
Her Light Force flared to life, bursting out in a radiant surge. The power she'd been holding back erupted all at once, and her presence swelled, fierce and brilliant.
"Really?" she asked, voice trembling with barely contained excitement. "You mean… my people and I—we can stay?"
Queen Elowen didn't answer with words. Instead, she picked up a token from the table and tossed it toward Seraphine.
"This is your identity token," she said coolly. "From this moment on, you're no longer a queen. You're a member of Emerald Castle. You'll follow the orders of the Lord of the City."
