Thorns of the Moonlit Throne
Volume 2 — Chapter 2: The Price of Fear
Writer: Sabbir Ahmed
The council chamber had never felt so divided.
Moonlight spilled through the crystal dome above, illuminating faces filled with unease. Lords of the old blood sat stiffly beside newly appointed representatives from the Shadowlands. Between them lay silence—thick, brittle, dangerous.
Lyriana stood at the head of the chamber, the Balanced Crown hovering faintly behind her throne. Its glow shifted subtly as emotions rose, reacting to fear more than words.
"The Sunfall Dominion calls this heresy," Lord Vaelor declared, rising from his seat. "They claim your rule defies the natural order. Already, their armies march in the name of 'purification.'"
A murmur rippled through the chamber.
"They fear what they cannot control," Aryn said, his voice calm but edged with steel. "Balance threatens their authority."
A priest clad in white and gold struck the floor with his staff. "Shadow is corruption," he said sharply. "You cannot tame it, Your Majesty. History proves this."
Eryon stepped forward, shadows folding around him like a cloak. "History was written by those who survived their own cruelty," he replied. "Not by truth."
The priest recoiled, but Lyriana raised her hand.
"Enough," she said.
The room fell silent.
"I will not deny fear exists," Lyriana continued. "I feel it every day. But fear does not grant us the right to burn kingdoms, erase cultures, or deny the past." Her gaze hardened. "Balance saved Arvandor. And it will defend it."
A messenger rushed in, breathless. "Scouts report Sunfall banners at the eastern pass. Three legions strong."
Gasps echoed through the chamber.
Lyriana closed her eyes, reaching inward. The crown answered—not with rage, but resolve. Power flowed through her, steady and restrained.
"We will not strike first," she said. "But we will not kneel."
She turned to Aryn. "Mobilize the Vanguard. Defensive formations only."
Then to Eryon. "Send word to the Shadowlands. No secrecy. No fear."
Eryon bowed. "They will answer."
As the council dispersed, Lyriana remained alone. For the first time since her coronation, doubt crept into her heart.
Was balance truly enough to unite a world built on absolutes?
Outside, thunder rolled across the horizon—far from any storm.
And deep within the crown, something ancient stirred, whispering a truth Lyriana had yet to face:
Peace demanded sacrifice.
And the crown always collected its due.