C112 THE DAY THE THRONE CHOSE BLOOD

The chamber did not calm this time.

It collapsed.

Walls of old fire leaned inward, shaking as if the entire realm had inhaled sharply and forgotten how to breathe. The Throne was no longer only glowing—it was alive, pulsing like a huge heart yearning to break open.

Elara felt the shift before anyone else.

A cold, deep pull beneath her ribs