The war came to the capital.
Enemy forces, aided by betrayal within Eloria's own walls, stormed Caerwyn's gates. The city burned, smoke choking the sky. Bells rang, swords clashed, and the Royal Palace itself trembled with the roar of battle.
Adrian fought in the courtyard, blade flashing, Caelan ever at his side. But when the tide turned, disaster struck—Caelan was taken by enemy soldiers, dragged into the shadows before Adrian's eyes. The prince's roar of anguish echoed across the flames.
Selene discovered Elara imprisoned within the palace, accused of treason by the king himself. Chains bound her wrists, though her eyes burned with defiance. Selene shattered the locks with her own hands, swearing, "I will not lose you—not to war, not to him, not to anyone."
And Dorian, weaving through smoke and blood, finally unmasked the traitor: Lord Veyra, Elara's father. He had fed the enemy information, seeking to topple the crown and place himself as power's center.
With this revelation, the siblings confronted their father. But King Alden's fury was not for the traitor alone—it was for his children, who defied him with love, truth, and fire in their hearts.