The first thing that died was the sky.
Aliena watched it happen.
A thin crack appeared above the ancient kingdom, stretching from one end of the heavens to the other. Beyond it, there was no sun, no moon, no stars. Only an endless darkness filled with thousands of watching eyes.
Then the crack widened.
The sky shattered.
Pieces of it fell like glass, dissolving before they touched the ground. The ancient buildings groaned. The seven thrones trembled. Far above them, somewhere beyond the underground kingdom, the palace bells began ringing.
Once.
Twice.
Thrice.
Then every bell in Nacrifa rang at the same time.
Aliena stood before Sebastian with her hand against his cheek.
She could feel him trembling beneath her palm.
His eyes were black, but tears still ran down his face.
"Choose me," he whispered.
The creature standing beside the seventh throne smiled.
"Go on, little queen. You have always been so good at choosing the things that destroy you."
Aliena ignored it.
