The trio reached the outskirts of Etheria by nightfall.
From the ridge, they saw it: the capital, aglow with golden towers and glass bridges that shimmered under the moonlight. It looked peaceful, regal—even beautiful.
But Haruto saw the lies beneath the light.
"I've been here before," he said quietly. "Back when I thought I was a hero."
Lucien crouched beside him. "The Queen holds court at sunrise. If she expects us, there'll be guards waiting."
"No," Kaela said, pulling a spyglass from her satchel. "There's no extra patrols. No scouts beyond the gates."
Lucien frowned. "Strange. You'd think she'd have locked down the city after what we found."
Kaela adjusted the lens, then froze. "There's someone on the eastern tower."
Haruto leaned in. Through the glass, he saw it: a lone figure standing atop the spire. Cloaked. Watching.
"Is it her?" Lucien asked.
Haruto's blood ran cold.
"No," he said. "It's him."
The figure raised one hand—and a ring of violet flames spiraled into the sky, forming a symbol they hadn't seen in centuries: a burning eye within a triangle.
Lucien paled. "That's impossible."
Kaela drew her bow. "The Seers are extinct. That symbol… it's forbidden."
Haruto stood. "Not anymore."
Suddenly, the air crackled.
A pulse of energy rippled from the city—enough to shake the ridge beneath their feet. Trees bent, stones cracked, and a deep hum filled the air like a scream beneath the surface.
"What was that?!" Kaela shouted.
Haruto gripped the Nullblade tighter, his voice grim.
"A seal just broke."