The Temple of Stars had never looked more beautiful—or more dangerous.
Thousands of paper lanterns hung from every surface, their warm glow transforming the sacred grounds into something magical. Performers walked on stilts, musicians played traditional instruments, and vendors hawked festival foods to the massive crowd that had gathered for the Summer Festival's opening ceremony.
Families laughed. Children ran through the crowds. Lovers held hands beneath the lantern light.
None of them knew they were standing in what Aeric had planned to be a killing ground.
I stood on a balcony overlooking the main courtyard, dressed in festival attire but with light armor hidden beneath the flowing silk. Around me, disguised as festival attendees, were fifty of our best soldiers. Shadow Guard mixed invisibly through the crowds. Archers positioned on rooftops. Every entrance and exit controlled.
