An illusionary sky spread wide above Aurelia's head.
Flames blazed across every corner of the battlefield created by the Circle of Judgment. The smell of blood, dust, and iron felt so real, as if it were not merely a vision.
Before her, two futures stood side by side.
On the left
A cold version of herself.
An absolute ruler.
Standing atop a pile of corpses.
Her eyes glowed gold, yet without warmth.
Without hesitation.
Without mercy.
On the right.
Another version of herself.
Still strong.
Still radiant.
Yet standing among the other wolves.
Not above them.
But with them.
Leading, not ruling.
In the real hall, Kael crossed his arms.
His smile was faint.
"Two paths."
Ragnar laughed softly.
"One is quick… the other is hard."
Orion stared at Aurelia without blinking.
"And both have consequences."
Inside the circle.
Aurelia stepped forward slowly.
Her eyes shifted between the two versions.
She could feel the power from each choice.
The first.
Absolute power.
