The great hall emptied slowly, courtiers and guards filing out in hushed clusters, their footsteps echoing off the high stone vaults like retreating rain.
The queen's body remained on the bier, white silk now stained at the edges with the prisoner's blood. Torches guttered low, casting long shadows that stretched across the floor and climbed the walls. Ashen stayed near his father, one hand resting lightly on the back of the throne, face carved from granite as he stared down at the woman who had raised him.
King Aden sat motionless, eyes fixed on nothing in particular, the weight of crown and conscience pressing equally heavy.
Lumina lingered only long enough to watch Adam be led away by two attendants, his shoulders bowed, his fury spent into something quieter and more dangerous.
Serena stood apart from the others, arms wrapped around her middle, face pale but composed. When Lumina turned toward her, Serena met her gaze without flinching.
