The march began.
Boots slammed against the sand, echoing through Sandy Haven like war drums. Dust rose with every step as hundreds of voices chanted in fury.
"Go away, King Rexar!"
"Leave the throne!"
"Down with the king!"
Anger burned hotter than the rising sun.
From afar, the man who had ignited this chaos watched silently.
Ashryn Witherfall — the former hero of Sandy Haven.
His lips curved upward.
The distance to the royal palace: fifteen minutes.
If no one stopped them now…
There would be no turning back.
Suddenly—
A voice rang out across the island.
Clear. Firm. Unmistakable.
"Everyone, please listen!"
The crowd slowed.
Confusion rippled through the masses.
"Huh?"
"That voice…"
"Who said that?"
The voice echoed again, carried by hidden speakers across streets, rooftops, and open squares.
"I am Princess Amelia De Kyoru — daughter of King Rexar De Kyoru."
Gasps erupted.
"What…?"
"That's impossible!"
"Another lie?!"
The voice continued, unwavering.
"Ashryn Witherfall is manipulating all of you.
He is using your trust — your pain — to seize control."
Shouts of anger exploded.
"Don't listen to her!"
"You traitors make me sick!"
"She's lying!"
But doubt had already been planted.
Amelia's voice trembled — not with fear, but urgency.
"Please… let's protect Sandy Haven together.
Don't destroy our home with your own hands."
Some people stopped.
Their chants faltered.
Eyes shifted. Hands trembled.
But others clenched their fists harder.
"No turning back!"
"We've come this far!"
Belief burned too fiercely to be extinguished.
From the front of the march—
Ashryn laughed.
A deep, echoing laugh that crawled beneath the skin.
"Stop this futile resistance… Royal Family."
His voice cut through the crowd like a blade.
The rebellion surged forward again.
And above them all, unseen but inevitable—
The battlefield was taking shape.