The leader of the Celestials stepped forward, his expression composed yet filled with cruel amusement. The flicker of golden light in his eyes betrayed a hint of satisfaction as he turned toward Khan.
"Show us your loyalty, Prince," he said. "Prove that you are fully with us."
The words struck like a thunderclap. Khan's hands twitched at his sides, and his breathing grew shallow. For a moment, his resolve faltered, his eyes flickering toward the Empress...toward the mother who had raised him, loved him, believed in him.
"Don't," Seraphine hissed under her breath, her voice trembling with fury. "Don't you dare."
Lucas stood frozen, watching every motion, his chest tightening with disbelief. Even he, who had little fondness for Khan, could see the turmoil in the prince's face...the battle raging behind his eyes between guilt and fear.
