The Hall of Empty Thrones
Beyond the gates of the Palace of the Sleeping Sun, Aurelia found no treasure.
Only silence.
A vast hall stretched before her, lined with thrones that had not known a ruler in ages. Some still held faint echoes of those who once sat there, fragile memories glowing like embers that refused to die.
At the far end, above the highest throne, a crown of light turned slowly in the golden air.
Waiting.
Not for the Dawnborn who had vanished.
But perhaps…
for whoever the city had chosen next.