Chapter 43 Hunt Of The Shade

• The throne hall was quieter now, though the silence carried no peace. Ash from extinguished braziers still clung to the stones, and the banners overhead bore dark singe marks where the Shades’ claws had reached too close. Healers moved among the wounded at the edges of the chamber, their whispered incantations struggling to banish the corruption the shadow-creatures had left behind.
• Lucia sat on the dais, crown tilted slightly on her brow, her hands gripping the arms of the Luna’s throne. Her heartbeat had not slowed since the attack. The crown might gleam with moonstone and silver, but its weight pressed like iron tonight.
• At her side, Kelvin leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his eyes following every healer and warrior with sharp attention. His claws still half-extended from their partial shift—a sign he had not fully let go of battle mode.