Demons laugh.
Children run through corridors.
Flowers bloom where once there were battle scars.
Hope lingers in the air.
Strange.
Very strange.
When I finally enter the throne chamber—I stop.
Because it isn't one throne.
It's eight.
And seated upon them—well, I know four faces immediately.
Lord Alaric.
Lord Kael.
Lord Thorne.
Lord Dagan.
The Lords of Air, Water, Fire, and Earth.
And beside each male—a female.
Human females.
Or at least they appear human.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
I immediately bow low.
“Do you know why you've been summoned?” Lord Alaric asks.
His voice carries the same authority I remember.
Though unlike the old Prime, there is warmth beneath it.
I shake my head.
“No, my Lord. I do not understand.”
Lord Kael smiles.
“You are not in trouble.”
Excellent.
A wonderful beginning.