At the sound of Ember's name, several members of the Crescent Kingdom stiffened, their expressions flickering with surprise. Once a citizen of their own kingdom, Ember's quiet departure to the Tempest Kingdom had always raised questions—ones never answered. And now here she was, shackled and humbled.
Even Galen, who hadn't cared to glance up for most of the summit, cracked open an eye to regard her. His gaze held the same bored disinterest—but it lingered a moment longer than usual.
As Ember was forced to her knees in the center of the hall, a soft hum filled the air. All four detection crystals—two at the Crescent arc, two at Solara's—glowed a distinct green. Their light pulsed gently, clear confirmation of a hybrid presence.
"As you can see," Dove drawled, folding her arms and shifting her weight with smug satisfaction, "my creations are not some cheap trick. They work."
