The Ghost King wasted no time.
At dawn, warhorns carved from dragon bone echoed across the sea.
His fleet, silent and spectral, rose from beneath the waters ghost ships manned by cursed souls, eyes burning blue.
Venice's wards shimmered. Cracked. Shivered.
Lucien stood atop the wall and said, "He's not just after Elian. He wants my crown." Aurelia answered, "Then let him choke on it."