The palace had begun trembling long before Sebastian realized why.
At first—
it was subtle.
Candles flickering unnaturally.
The massive chandeliers above the royal halls vibrating faintly.
Servants whispering nervously whenever shadows moved where shadows should not move.
But now—
the entire palace of Nacrifa felt alive.
And afraid.
Sebastian walked through the corridors in absolute silence.
That silence terrified everyone more than rage ever could.
Because Sebastian was not angry anymore.
He was desperate.
And desperation looked horrifying on someone like him.
The long crimson corridors stretched endlessly before him as his boots echoed softly against black marble floors.
Servants immediately lowered their heads the moment he appeared.
No one spoke.
No one breathed too loudly.
No one dared meet his eyes.
Because the prince walking through the palace now no longer felt entirely mortal.
Darkness followed him.
Not metaphorically.
Literally.
