The moment hung between worlds.
The sky burned violet, stretched with cracks that looked like bleeding constellations. Selena's voice—cold, resolute—cut through the thick magic like a blade through silk.
> "You will kneel."
And the heavens trembled.
Lightning split the horizon, not from storms, but from fury. The Seraphim fleet overhead thundered, ships ablaze with celestial fire, casting long shadows over the scorched earth where the Burned Throne had risen like a god's grave.
Selena stood, a child in her arms, her silver-veined skin glowing faintly beneath the ash. Her eyes were mirrors of fire and judgment. Behind her, Dante burned—a god's rage wrapped in mortal flame. And between them… the Burned King, their fractured future, crowned in ruin.
Ardent's voice roared from the lead warship above.
> "This is your final mercy. Lay down your heresy. Offer the child. Or die with your defiance."
Selena didn't blink. "Then come take him."
---
The world shattered.
