The throne room of Noctis-Lux was bathed in an ethereal glow, illuminated by towering crystal sconces pulsing with captured energy. The obsidian pillars stretched toward the high ceiling, casting elongated shadows across the marble floor.
At the far end, seated upon a gilded throne of gears and iron, was Grand Chancellor Aldric Vaughn.
His presence was suffocating.
Draped in regal robes lined with silver embroidery, his piercing gaze met Celestine's as she strode into the chamber, Alistair and Elias flanking her. His expression was unreadable, but the faintest smirk tugged at his lips—one she knew all too well.
"Ah, my Queen," Aldric greeted smoothly, rising from his throne. "You return unannounced. How unlike you."
Celestine's fingers curled into fists. The weight of what she had uncovered in the ruins pressed against her every word. But she could not act rashly. Not yet.
"I was investigating reports of disturbances in the Lower District," she said coolly. "I was not made aware of increased patrols in my absence. Why has the city been placed under heightened security?"
Aldric descended the steps toward her, his every step deliberate. "There have been… whispers," he said. "Rumors of an uprising. Dissidents speaking of long-buried secrets. It seems certain forces are working to unravel the peace we have built."
Celestine held his gaze. "And you believe these rumors?"
Aldric's smile did not waver. "I believe in the need for order."
Lies.
She could see it now, clear as the reflections in the polished floor—he knew. He had always known. The ruins, the truth of Noctis-Lux's past, the eradication of the first civilization. He had orchestrated it all.
Elias stepped forward, his hood still shadowing his face. "A curious thing, isn't it?" he mused. "How history bends to those in power."
Aldric's eyes flicked toward him. "And you are?"
Elias smiled. "A ghost, Grand Chancellor. One of many."
Celestine knew she had to tread carefully. If she revealed too much too soon, Aldric would move against her before she could prepare. She needed to uncover the full extent of his deception—needed proof to dismantle the Council from within.
So she forced a neutral expression and said, "If there are threats to the city, then I will see them handled personally."
Aldric studied her for a long moment before inclining his head. "Of course, my Queen. I trust your judgment."
But as she turned to leave, his voice stopped her cold.
"Oh, and Celestine?"
She turned back, and his smile deepened.
"Be careful where you tread. Some secrets are better left buried."
A warning. A challenge.
She met his gaze without flinching. "Only the guilty fear the light."
And with that, she walked away, the war already beginning in her mind.
The game had begun.