Elian's POV
*****
The moment the Lunarian sky craft pierced the night clouds above Moon Haven, Elian felt the familiar twist in his chest—the kind that usually meant trouble.
The city stretched below them like a sea of stars, spires piercing the heavens, the palace itself reflecting the setting sunlight in molten gold. And yet, nothing about the sight made him feel safe.
Lucian's grip on his shoulder was steady, grounding, but Elian couldn't shake the weight of what awaited them inside. Rumours were already swirling, the footage from Arcadia was practically viral in a matter of hours.
And then there was Sylas…
He stole a glance at the red-haired boy
Sylas moved about the craft with cautious precision, his stormy blue eyes scanning every corner as though expecting some trap to drop from the ceiling.
[Oh, fruitcake. You've got this.] The System's voice slipped into his mind, sarcastic as ever.
But Elian barely felt reassured.
