Chapter 7 - THE GATES OF SOLARIA
The inner palace was a labyrinth of grand corridors, sweeping staircases, and hidden alcoves designed to protect the ruling dynasty from internal betrayals. But tonight, those defenses were turned against them. Vane’s loyalist guards patrolled every hallway, their halberds gleaming under the torchlight.
"This way," Katherine whispered, leading Ellen, Roan, and a small squad of loyal guards through a narrow maintenance corridor behind the grand banquet hall. "The descending stairwell leads directly beneath the throne room to the primordial vault."
As they hurried down the damp stone steps, the air grew increasingly heavy, thick with the scent of ozone, old dust, and burning incense. A low, rhythmic chanting echoed from the depths below—dozens of voices reciting an ancient, discordant litany in unison.
"He's already started the ritual," Roan said, his hand resting firmly on the hilt of his sword.
They burst through the heavy iron doors at the bottom of the stairwell and entered a vast, subterranean amphitheater. In the center of the chamber stood a massive, circular altar carved from black obsidian, surrounded by towering braziers of green fire.
Bound to the center of the altar with heavy iron chains was a young woman with dark hair resembling Roan's—Princess Lyra, unconscious but breathing. Standing before her with a raised ceremonial dagger was Chancellor Vane, his eyes glazed over with a fanatical, power-hungry frenzy. Around him stood a dozen masked cultists holding Malakor's obsidian staffs.
"Stop right there, Vane!" Roan shouted, stepping into the cavernous chamber with his sword drawn.
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Vane turned slowly, a twisted smile spreading across his aged face. "Ah, the prodigal emperor returns. Just in time to watch your bloodline seal the fate of the world—under my absolute control!"
Vane slammed his dagger downward toward the altar.
