Rudraen's gaze lingered on the now-closed Horizon Gate.
"The god you don't see… is Noxian, God of Shadows," he finally said. His tone carried the weight of centuries. "We send an invitation to Noxian every year for this day. But…" He paused, jaw tightening. "Long ago, the previous Noxian gave his throne to his son. Since then, no one from the Shadow Throne has ever come."
Ariv narrowed his eyes. "So… a god can be replaced?"
Rudraen looked at him directly. "Yes. But only by the will of the current throne holder. Gods are mortal — but they cannot be killed by anything in existence. Their own will is the only thing that can pass on their divinity."
Ariv's voice was calm, but there was a glint in his eyes. "So their lives can only end… if they choose it."
Before Rudraen could respond, a deep, resonant voice echoed across the courtyard.
"The ceremony is about to begin."
The air shifted instantly. Kaivara and Eryon turned toward the grand hall, their auras tightening, as the great bells of Atherion began to toll.