Chapter 3 - Shadows in the Dungeon
Deep beneath the cathedral, far from the light of the stained-glass windows, the stone walls of the lower cells wept with moisture. Queen Helena sat on a damp bench, her hands pressed against her face as muffled echoes of the commotion above filtered through the iron-grated ceiling.
Footsteps echoed down the corridor—heavy, hurried, and accompanied by the metallic clank of armor. Helena stood up, rushing to the barred door. "Elara? Has the sentence been carried out? Please, listen to me—"
The heavy iron door swung open, but it was not the executioners who stood before her. It was Captain Vane of the Royal Guard, his helmet tucked under his arm, his face etched with grim urgency. Behind him stood two loyal knights holding torches that cast flickering shadows across the damp stone.
"Your Majesty," Vane said, bowing deeply. "You must come with us immediately."
Helena recoiled, suspicion tightening her features. "Has my husband sent you to finish what he started in a blind rage? Am I to be dragged to the courtyard?"
"No, Your Majesty," Vane replied, stepping forward and unlocking the heavy shackles with a swift motion. "The true queen has awakened. The creature of the prophecy has chosen her, and the deception of Princess Selene has been brought to light. King Aldric has rescinded his order, and he is waiting for you in the royal solar to beg your forgiveness."
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Helena’s breath hitched. Relief washed over her, hot and stinging behind her eyelids. "Elara... she survived?"
"She did," Vane said gently, offering his hand to help her step out of the dark cell. "And the kingdom is about to witness a reckoning."
