THE CROWN THEY HID FROM ME
“But the crown is not just mine. It is the kingdom’s. I cannot let personal ties blind me.”
Her sigil pulsed one final time, bright and steady. The shadows bowed and dissipated.
⸻
The Crown Awaits
The pedestal rose slowly, carrying the crown into the air before her. Light cascaded over her, warm and electric.
The palace itself hummed approval. The trials were passed.
Aera approached the crown, hand steady. This was the moment the seal had waited for.
As her fingers closed over the metal, a voice echoed—deep, resonant, unmistakable: