The day began with an unusual stillness in the Palace of Eternal Flames.
Not even birds sang. Not even servants dared raise their voices.
Something in the air smelled of omen.
Today, the emperor would attend—for the first time in years—a ceremony before the Ancestral Throne, in the presence of the spirits of former emperors.
The ritual wasn't designed for consorts or heirs... but Suwei had been summoned nonetheless.
Jin Long, standing before the throne, did not speak.
His golden eyes shone with contained intensity. He knew this moment would be crucial.
He knew Suwei was no longer the same.
Suwei entered dressed in robes of House Jinhai, but over his shoulders hung a white cape whose origin no one knew.
The First Consort's Ring gleamed on his hand.
The torchlight flickered.
The high priest began the sacred chant. The ancient words reverberated against the hall's columns.
— Only the chosen may touch the Soul Throne... and remain standing — said the priest.
Suwei advanced.
