~Kaida Orion POV~
I stood before the grand gates of Sovereign's Hall, arguing a tether of calmness through the storm inside me. Lunara clung to my skirt, chest strapped firmly against me. Biat carried the archive chest heavily in his arms, its wiry glow still pulsing blue and red. Moon Priest and the golden-eyed envoy flanked us, silent yet resolute.
The sovereign's herald bowed us inside. Inside, vaulted domes glimmered under blazing sun, banners of gold and sapphire waving. Guards lined the hall, and at the center a raised dais held the Sovereign's throne...empty at the moment, but commands humming.
The herald announced: "Lady Kaida, Sisters of Silverline, present yourselves to His Crown."
We approached in line. I felt the chest's weight burning at my back; Lunara's small fingers curled around my sash.
In the hush, I heard Biat murmur to me: "We made it this far."
I swallowed and counted breaths. The door behind us closed.
