The first strike didn't come from the battlefield.
It came from within.
Selene woke to the sound of impact.
A deep, violent tremor that shook the palace walls.
Then—
Explosion.
Fire tore through the lower wing, flames rising fast, consuming everything in their path.
Chaos followed instantly.
Guards shouted. Servants ran. Smoke filled the halls.
Selene was already moving.
"What happened?" Elira called out behind her.
"An attack," Selene replied, her voice sharp, focused.
Not panicked.
Never panicked.
Kael appeared from the opposite corridor, sword already drawn.
"This wasn't random," he said.
Selene nodded.
"No."
Her eyes scanned the destruction below as they reached the balcony.
"This was precise."
Targeted.
Controlled.
A message.
You are not safe here.
Selene stepped forward, her voice cutting through the chaos.
"Seal the gates," she ordered. "No one enters. No one leaves."
Guards moved instantly.
Authority carried differently now.
Without question.
Kael watched her carefully.
"You're not surprised," he said.
Selene's gaze remained fixed ahead.
"I've been expecting this."
A pause.
"Just not this soon."
The flames continued to spread, but control was already returning. Soldiers contained the fire. Orders were followed.
Because she was giving them.
"They're escalating," Kael said.
Selene nodded once.
"So are we."
She turned to him now, her expression no longer just controlled—
But sharpened.
Focused.
Decisive.
"This was meant to destabilize us," she said.
"To make us react emotionally."
Kael tilted his head slightly. "And will you?"
Selene held his gaze.
"No."
A pause.
"I'll respond strategically.
Another silence followed
Then she stepped forward, her voice steady and absolute.
"I'm done waiting for them to make the next move."
Her eyes darkened.
"If they want war—"
A beat.
"I'll give it to them."
And for the first time—
There was no uncertainty left.
No hesitation.
Only decision.
Only action.
Only the moment where everything changed.
This wasn't a threat anymore.
This was the beginning.