The palace of Aurion was unlike anything Arka had ever seen towers carved from starlight crystal, halls that echoed with the hymns of celestial beasts, and air so heavy with spirit energy that even breathing felt sacred.
But beneath that beauty, there was something else.
Whispers.
Eyes watching from behind golden veils.
Every step Arka took through the corridors was met with hidden judgment.
His title had earned him honor, but not trust.
When the ceremonial doors opened to the Grand Hall, the tension grew sharper. Seated on the raised dais was Empress Valenne, her presence regal and cold. At her side stood Prince Lysander, eyes as unreadable as ever.
Around the hall, nobles from all factions knelt except for a few who stayed standing, too proud or too cautious. Their silence spoke louder than words.
"Rise," the Empress said, her voice clear but laced with steel. "Arka of the Star Wolf. You have completed the Astral Trials and earned the right to stand among the chosen. But understand this power without loyalty is a threat. And in this palace, threats do not last."
Arka bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, my loyalty lies not in crowns or bloodlines. It lies with balance between man and beast, light and shadow. I will protect this realm, even if others doubt me."
The Empress studied him in silence. Then, to everyone's shock, she smiled faintly. "We shall see."
She gestured toward Lysander. "You will serve under my son as his protector and advisor. Until you prove your worth, your place here will be under his command."
Arka froze for a brief second, glancing at Lysander. The prince's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
"As you command," Arka said.
When the audience was dismissed, and the hall emptied, Lysander leaned against one of the marble pillars, watching him with that half-smile again.
"Protector and advisor," he said lightly. "That's one way to make sure you stay close."
Arka exhaled. "And another way to keep me under watch."
Lysander chuckled. "Both can be true."
Before Arka could reply, the air shifted. A faint, metallic scent blood drifted from beyond the corridor. He turned sharply.
From the shadows emerged a messenger, his robe torn, eyes wide with fear. "Your Highness! Forgive the intrusion there's been an attack in the lower sanctum!"
Lysander straightened instantly. "Attack? By who?"
The man trembled. "We don't know. The sentries were found unconscious, their beasts silenced. A sigil burned into the walls not of this realm."
Arka's eyes narrowed. "Show me."
They followed the messenger through the winding corridors until they reached the inner sanctum the place where the Astral Seals were stored.
The walls were scorched. Energy residue shimmered faintly in the air, wild and unstable. And at the center of the destruction, drawn in black fire, was a sigil Arka recognized instantly the Emblem of the Abyssal Beast King.
Lysander's expression hardened. "Impossible. That mark hasn't been seen in centuries."
Arka knelt, touching the charred symbol. The energy pulsed faintly beneath his fingers, as if alive. "It's not impossible," he said quietly. "It's a message."
"What kind of message?" Lysander asked.
Arka's silver eyes gleamed faintly under the flickering torchlight. "The Abyss is waking. And whoever drew this wants me to know."
The sound of distant bells rang through the palace, signaling alarm.
The Astral Trials had ended, but a new war had just begun.