THRONE ROOM - CORONATION CEREMONY - NOON
We exploded through the floor like avenging demons.
Shadow came up FIRST—blade already moving, taking down the two guards nearest the hatch before they could scream.
Lily second—staff raised, shouting: "STOP THIS CEREMONY! THE HIGH PRIESTESS IS A FRAUD!"
Ezra third—fire ERUPTING from their staff, creating a wall between us and the royal guards.
Kieran fourth—sword drawn, eyes locked on Theodore.
And me—invisible, intangible, GHOST-LIKE—floating up last.
The throne room FROZE.
Hundreds of nobles. Royal guards. Temple Knights. All staring at the FUGITIVES who'd just crashed the King's coronation.
Theodore stood at the throne, golden crown HALF-PLACED on his head. His face went from shock to RAGE in half a second.
"SEIZE THEM!" he roared. "KILL THE TRAITORS!"
Guards surged forward—
Kieran MOVED. His blade flashed—three guards down before they crossed ten feet.
